Elderly man and woman die after car plunges off bridge as Storm Babet thrashes UK
Storm Babet has seen downpours lash across the UK and, with Met Office weather warnings still in place, it is feared more damage could be caused by the inclement weather
The red Vauxhall Grandland collided with a bridge barrier and landed on its roof(JOHN SIDDLE)
Two people have died after a car plunged off a bridge amid Storm Babet[1] today. The man and woman, both in their 70s, were travelling in a dark red Vauxhall Grandland, which collided with a bridge barrier on the A629 Western Bypass near Skipton, North Yorkshire. The vehicle landed on its roof near a canal.
In a statement seen by Mirror, North Yorkshire Police[2] said the crash happened at around 1.20pm.
The force hasn’t yet confirmed the conditions played a part in the crash but the region experienced monster winds and heavy rain throughout the afternoon[3]. Roads have been dangerous across the country, especially in rural spots.
Emergency services continue to investigate the accident(JOHN SIDDLE)
The man was pronounced dead at the scene while the woman lost her battle in hospital. Their relationship is yet to be confirmed.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Constabulary said: “Sadly the driver of the vehicle, a man in his 70s from West Yorkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene. The female passenger, also in her 70s, was taken to hospital in a critical condition and was pronounced dead a short time later. “Their next of kin have been informed.
Any witnesses to the collision or anyone with relevant dashcam footage is asked to contact TC 123 Geri Tunney at North Yorkshire Police, either via 101 or email [email protected]. Please quote reference number 12230200190.” Investigations continue into the crash, which happened as Storm Babet took hold in the UK.
Roads have been treacherous and railway networks have urged customers not to travel on services tonight.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail have all warned against travelling as lines are widely flooded. Network Rail said crowd control measures had been put in place at King’s Cross station[4] due to “severe disruption”, while other lines were blocked due to damage to overhead electrical wires.
A rare red weather warning[5] had been issued for parts of eastern Scotland[6] until 6pm, while 133,000 people were left without power on Friday as a result of the storm.
Across England, there were more than 250 flood[7] warnings this morning, and major incidents were declared by both Suffolk and Derbyshire county councils.
At least four people have died since the storm first hit the UK on Wednesday, while a search continues in Aberdeenshire following a report of a man trapped in a vehicle in floodwater.
Officials warned that river levels will “continue to rise”, and said flooding from major rivers could continue until Tuesday.
References
- ^ Storm Babet (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ North Yorkshire Police (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ the region experienced monster winds and heavy rain throughout the afternoon (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Network Rail said crowd control measures had been put in place at King’s Cross station (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ red weather warning (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Scotland (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ flood (www.mirror.co.uk)