Supermarket Delivery Van Swept Away in Kidderminster River During Severe Flooding
Emergency services have shared dramatic footage of an Asda delivery van that became trapped in a fast-flowing river in Kidderminster after being swept downstream from a nearby ford crossing. The incident occurred during a period of heavy rainfall that has caused significant flooding issues across the Midlands region.
Vehicle Movement from Ford to Bridge
According to firefighters from Cleobury Mortimer Fire Station, the supermarket vehicle initially became stuck in water at the ford crossing at Neen Savage before being carried approximately to Walford Bridge. A spokesperson for the fire station confirmed that the van had moved from the original location and was now positioned at the bridge structure.
Thankfully, no individuals were trapped inside the delivery vehicle during this frightening incident. Emergency personnel confirmed that all relevant information about the van's location and situation had been promptly passed to both local police authorities and the Environmental Agency for further investigation and recovery operations.
Community Response and Historical Context
Local residents responded to the incident on social media platforms, with one individual recalling a similar event occurring approximately fifteen years earlier when a box van became stuck in the same area between Walford Bridge and the ford crossing. That previous incident reportedly resulted in a very expensive recovery operation according to community members familiar with the location.
Another commenter humorously noted the inappropriate parking situation with the quip "Ya can't park there," while a different resident expressed relief that the driver emerged unharmed from the dangerous situation, despite their shopping potentially traveling down the river instead of reaching its intended destination.
Broader Flooding Concerns Across the Region
This alarming incident occurred during a week when much of the Midlands region experienced substantial rainfall leading to widespread flooding problems. Cleobury Mortimer Fire Station reported responding to multiple vehicle-related incidents in floodwaters within a twenty-four hour period, confirming they had attended two separate cases where drivers found themselves trapped by rising waters.
Fire service representatives emphasized that both drivers in these additional incidents were confirmed safe following rescue operations. They issued an important reminder to all motorists to avoid driving through any floodwater and to carefully plan journeys during periods of adverse weather conditions when flooding risks are elevated.
The fire service statement concluded with crucial safety advice for the public, stressing the importance of never attempting to drive through floodwaters regardless of vehicle type or perceived water depth, as conditions can change rapidly and present serious dangers to both occupants and emergency responders.
