Person whose car was swept away downstream needed rescuing, fire service now says
A driver whose car was swept away downstream when they attempted to cross a surging ford was rescued, it has now emerged.
As reported, the motorist had a lucky escape as they attempted to plough through floodwater at Moyles Court, near Ringwood in the New Forest, around 8am on Tuesday.
The car was swept away despite only having its front wheels in the water as the driver attempted to reverse out of the hazardous stream. Pictures showed the vehicle submerged further along from the crossing as Storm Bram ripped through Hampshire.
The incident sparked Hampshire Police to issue a warning to motorists across the county. A social media post said on Tuesday: “The ford at Moyles Court is currently shut, (as others will be). The driver only had their front tyres in and was in process of reversing as assessed as too dangerous, however the power of the water took the vehicle in deeper with the driver sensibly leaving the vehicle and putting life before property.”
However, it has now been revealed by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service that the driver was in fact rescued by a nearby person - preventing a possible tragedy.
In a statement, the fire service said: “On-call firefighters from Fordingbridge were called to Rockford in the New Forest, after a vehicle entered a flooded section of the road and became submerged, being swept approximately 50 metres downstream.
“Before crews arrived, a member of the public rescued the driver from the vehicle. Firefighters conducted a medical assessment of the driver at the scene. Police cordoned off the area and closed the road for safety. Fire crews returned to their stations at 8:30am.”
Advice from the fire service said:
Flooding can make roads extremely dangerous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Stay alert and follow safety rules.
- Turn back: Don’t drive through flood water—turn back and find another route.
- Obey signs: Follow road closures and warning signs.
- Stay alert: Flood water can be deeper and faster than it looks.
If you see an accident, call 999 and provide details of the location and injuries.