Emergency crews have rushed to Sandford on the outskirts of Godshill this afternoon (Thursday) where a lorry has left the road and wiped out a gas main.
Police, fire and paramedics are currently on scene on Shanklin Road (A3020), near the junction with Redhill Lane.
The incident occurred at around 13:45 and has seen a scaffolding lorry veer off the carriageway and crash into a stone wall.
Shanklin Road is currently blocked in both directions, between Godshill and Whiteley Bank.
Southern Vectis Route 2 buses are diverting via Blackwater and Godshill until further notice.
UPDATE @ 15:06 – Police have confirmed that a number of homes are being evacuated due to a high pressure gas exchange being damaged as a result of the single vehicle collision.
SGN engineers are on scene dealing with what has been described as a ‘significant’ issue.
The hissing of gas is evident on scene, sounding almost like a waterfall. The pungent smell is also clear.
The Isle of Wight Council’s Emergency Management team are also in attendance, coordinating the evacuation and welfare of local residents.
People are being urged by Police to avoid the area at this time.
UPDATE @ 19:22 – The road remains closed, but the situation is an improving one.
Most residents have now returned home as cordons in the area are reduced.
Recovery of the lorry by Bartletts Service Station is underway.
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Ye going to fast were we ??? think your job on the line for this one..
Probably a self employed numpty, they are not
the sharpest tools in the shed.
I wouldn’t want to say that to his face, he’s a very good driver in actual fact, but there again you got a big mouth, so please go and say it to his face and your idiotic comments will be gone for good.
Grow up and stop being a numpty, lack of education
is obviously your problem.
Never too late to learn.
It’s a JSE Scaffolding lorry and they have a crew of people. So not likely.
Running down the self employed seems like sour grapes to me.
I have nothing against self employed,
I have many friends who are. I was only
stating that the person may have been, hence
not losing their job, if driving erratically.
Makes one wonder how did the lorry leave the road!
Another speeding island hotspot me thinks.
”Scaffolders” stoned ..drunk or rushing to a pub brawl. Charles darwins missing link..