Miracle escape as lorry ploughs into farmhouse near Leominster (From Hereford Times)

Miracle escape as lorry ploughs into farmhouse near Leominster

7:55am Thursday 29th October 2009 in

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RESIDENTS of a farmhouse near Leominster had a lucky escape last Saturday when a lorry ploughed into their home, partially destroying it.

The accident, at Stretford Bridge Farm, happened at about 7.30pm. Luckily, the occupants were in another part of the house and no-one was seriously hurt.

The lorry driver, thought to be from the Builth Wells area, and a passenger suffered minor cuts and bruises.

Five police officers, paramedics and more than 10 firefighters were called to the scene and found the Scania on its side and its cargo of apples filling the front lawn.

Engineers and Herefordshire Council staff are now trying to work out how best to recover the vehicle without causing further damage to the house.

Police spokesman Peter Butcher said the A4110, which meets the B4457 just outside the farm, would be closed until at least today (Thursday) or tomorrow, adding: “The safety of those involved in the recovery will be paramount.”

Rescue specialists were unsure if removing the lorry would cause the building to become unstable and spent about nine hours supporting ceilings in the cellar, the ground floor and the first floor with wooden joists.

Fire service spokesman Samantha Jones said: “Our technicians from the urban search and rescue team are trained to deal with serious and significant incidents such as this.

“They worked for a considerable amount of time at the scene to help reduce the risk of any further damage to the house.”

Residents at the property appeared shocked as they removed their belongings on Monday morning and did not wish to comment.

Local engineers were being drafted in to deal with the situation.

Council spokesperson Alison Grange said experts were looking at working on the site today with a view to moving the lorry next Monday.

Until it was moved, the A4110 would remain closed.