Massive Lorry Stuck in Ditch Near Hawkenbury

This afternoon, chaos hit Headcorn Road when a massive HGV skidded off the road and crashed into a ditch just over the bridge towards Hawkenbury. Half the cab and trailer dangled dangerously on the roadside edge, causing major disruption.

Staplehurst Emergency Help Team Swing Into Action

Staplehurst Emergency Help Team (SEHT) rushed to the scene to assist. With Kent County Council, the lorry company management, and police already on site, SEHT quickly set up a safe working zone and controlled traffic with alternating signals via radio.

Full Road Closure and 90-Minute Gridlock

The recovery team arrived swiftly, but to safely haul the lorry out, a temporary full road closure was essential. The closure lasted around 90 minutes, ripping up rush hour plans. Thankfully, the HGV was recovered intact and driven away with no road damage. The road reopened promptly at 2:30pm.

Thanks to Patients Drivers – But Some Got Ugly

SEHT thanked the majority of drivers for understanding the hold-up. But they condemned the small minority who hurled abuse at volunteers. “Our volunteers are unpaid and work hard for the local community,” said SEHT. “Abuse and threats won’t be tolerated and are reported to police.”