Canal reopens after lorry crashed into the Trent and Mersey canal in Middlewich
By Deborah Bowyer 12th May 2025
A section of the Trent and Mersey canal has reopened after a HGV crashed into the canal at Middlewich.
The Canal and River Trust closed the canal and towpath between lock 69 and lock 70 on Thursday (May 8th) due to a police incident involving an articulated vehicle which entered the canal near bridge 165a.
But today (Monday) the Canal and River Trust said the section had now reopened to boaters an those wanting to use the towpath between these locks.
In a previous statement, the Canal and River Trust said: "Our teams are working closely with the vehicle owners and emergency services to coordinate a safe and careful recovery.
"Due to the unusual nature and location of the vehicle, this operation is expected to continue throughout the weekend to ensure the protection of canal infrastructure.
"Once the vehicle has been removed, our engineers will carry out a full inspection to assess any damage and determine the necessary repairs before we can confirm a reopening date."
Firefighters used an inflatable raft to rescue the driver of HGV after the accident near British Salt.
Booth Lane was also closed to enable the driver to be rescued and the Canal and River Trust closed off two locks to stop boating traffic from reaching this part of the canal. It is thought the driver climbed out of the cab himself.
A spokesperson from Cheshire Police said: "Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing."
Fire engines from Middlewich, Warrington, Congleton, Knutsford and Lymm went to the scene together with the rescue boat from Lymm and rope rescue unit from Knutsford rushed to the scene at 7.13 am today (Thursday).
A spokesperson from Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service said: "An inflatable raft was used to rescue the driver of the vehicle and they were passed to the care of ambulance crews.
"Firefighters are liaising with colleagues from the Canal and River Trust, Environment Agency and police to support the safe removal of the HGV from the water."
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