Man dies and several injured after vehicle falls into river after Lancashire bridge collapse

One man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Credit: Thomas Beresford

A man has died and several others injured after a vehicle and trailer fell into a river when a bridge collapsed in Roeburndale, Lancashire.

Officers from Lancashire Police were called to a farm in the Moor Lane area about 4.25pm on Tuesday following a report of a serious accident.

It was reported a Polaris Ranger pulling a trailer had fallen into a river after a bridge collapsed.

Police say the 11 people in the vehicle and trailer at the time of the incident were part of a 'shooting party' who were 'travelling on private land'.

Emergency services scrambled to the incident. Credit: Thomas Beresford

Emergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue were called to the scene. One man suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

A second man was taken to Royal Preston Hospital with a serious head injury.

While a third person suffered a serious back injury and was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary along with a number of others who were injured in the incident.

Road closures are in place and are expected to continue for some time.

Police said an investigation into the circumstances around the incident is underway and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Several people were injured and sadly one person died. Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time."

An HSE spokesperson said: “HSE is aware and making enquiries alongside the police.”

An investigation into the incident is underway. Credit: Thomas Beresford

Detective inspector Kirsty Wyatt, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "My thoughts are very much with all those involved in what is a very sad and tragic incident.

"One man has sadly died and a number of people have suffered serious injuries.

"At this time we believe the vehicle was pulling the trailer, containing a number of people, when a bridge gave way. Those people were then thrown from the vehicle and trailer.

"Our investigation is at very early stages and enquiries are ongoing to establish what happened."

Anyone with information which can help police is urged to call 101 quoting log 0953 of 18 January.