URGENT UPDATE: Celebrations turned to chaos as a lorry became stuck on the newly reopened Kilrea Bridge in Co Londonderry less than 24 hours after its grand reopening. The incident occurred shortly after the bridge was officially reopened on Saturday, October 14, 2023, following extensive repairs.
The historic bridge spans the River Bann and was closed in September due to concerns regarding its structural integrity. Saturday’s reopening was met with community festivities, but the joy was quickly overshadowed by the unexpected mishap.
Authorities confirmed that the lorry became lodged on the bridge shortly after 10:00 AM this morning. Witnesses reported a frantic scene as emergency crews rushed to the location to assess the situation and assist in the vehicle’s removal. Local residents expressed disappointment, having eagerly awaited the bridge’s return to service.
“It’s disheartening to see this happen so soon after we celebrated the bridge’s reopening,”
said a local business owner who witnessed the incident. “We were all so excited to have it back for our community, and now it’s just frustrating.”
Officials from the local council are currently evaluating the damage and working with transportation authorities to safely remove the lorry. There are concerns that this incident may delay further inspections and potentially lead to another closure.
The Kilrea Bridge, a vital connection for local traffic, was initially shut down due to structural safety concerns raised in September 2023. Its reopening was seen as a significant milestone for the community, symbolizing resilience and revitalization.
As of now, transportation officials have not provided a timeline for when the bridge will be fully operational again. Local residents are urged to find alternative routes while crews work to resolve the situation.
This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by infrastructure in the region. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work to clear the bridge and assess the impact on local traffic.
