A shame-faced Asda delivery driver will be counting the cost of his folly today after going through road closed barriers and getting stranded on the flooded A1101 Welney Wash Road. It led to fire crews from both Norfolk and Cambridgeshire – including a boat – being called out last night to rescue the driver after he became trapped in his van.
Appliances from Outwell, Kings Lynn North, Kings Lynn South, Littleport, Ely, Cambridge and Huntingdon attended.
Fire engines approached the closed road from both ends.
A resident said that at one stage there were three fire appliances parked outside her home “and a rubber dinghy in the Lamb public house car park. Hope the person is feeling very ashamed this morning for putting all these people at risk”.
Emergency services called for water rescue boats from King’s Lynn South and Cambridge.
One resident said of the van driver: “Somehow the driver thinks th
ey have a superpower; what a waste of resources and money all round and whatever food deliveries were still on the van, just a totally unnecessary risk”
Welney Flood Watch posted today: “It appears a supermarket delivery van got stranded in the water.
“I did receive a call to help with my tractor, but I was out of the area and could not assist which is a pity as I see around 7 fire engines attended plus other services.
“Why with the flashing signage, Facebook, barriers, physical depth gauges (although not accurate but showing its deep) does this happen?”
A statement from Norfolk Fire and Rescue simply reported that the crews “assisted a member of the public on the A1101. The stop message was received at 19:52”.
Many residents of Welney are angry that motorists continue to ignore road closed sign and attempt to cross through the dangerous level of flood water.
“They tie up multiple crews when someone else may be in dire need of their attendance,” one resident posted to a local Facebook group.
Villagers believe a Mini, a Ford Mondeo and an Audi are among the cars abandoned on the Welney Wash Road by drivers who attempted to cross without success.
