Roeburndale bridge collapse: what happened in Lancashire accident - police arrest three men after man dies

Among 11 people were thrown from vehicles, including a Polaris Ranger, as a bridge collapsed near Moor Lane, Roeburndale in Lancashire
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A police investigation looking into the death of a 73-year-old man killed when a wooden bridge collapsed in Lancashire have arrested three men.

The trio - a man, 55, from Preston and two men, 52 and 57, from Lancaster - were arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, officers said.

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All three have been released while the investigation continues into how a bridge gave way in Roeburndale earlier this week which saw 11 people thrown from an all-terrain vehicle pulling a trailer.

Brian Harwood, 73, from Penrith, Cumbria, was among that group and died at the scene, police have since confirmed. Two other people were seriously injured and taken to hospital after the incident.

Here’s what we know so far...

What has happened in Lancashire?

At around 16:25, police were called to the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale, east of Lancaster, following a report of a serious accident on a farm.

A Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer had fallen into a river when a bridge collapsed.

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The incident, taking place on 18 January, reported 11 people were in the ranger vehicle and trailer.

A man suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A second man was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment, whilst a third man was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary after suffering from a serious back injury.

Police were called to the Forest of Bowland, alongside ambulance, fire crews and mountain rescue.

The police force said the people in the vehicle were from a “shooting party” who were travelling “on private land” and were returning from the farm when the bridge, which was supported by scaffolding, collapsed.

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The investigation is continuing with the Health and Safety Executive collaborating.

Who was the victim?

Brian Harwood, 73, has been named as the man who was killed after an all-terrain vehicle pulling a trailer fell into a river after the wooden bridge collapsed.

The two other men injured, aged in their 60s and 70s, remain in hospital.

Mr Harwood’s partner has said his family are “devastated”.

In a statement, his partner said: “Everyone he know enjoyed his company.

“Brian meant so much to me and the people around us.

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“We are devastated about what has taken place and fully support the investigation. I ask that people respect our privacy and allow us to grieve in private.”

Mr Harwood, of Penrith in Cumbria, was pronounced dead at he scene.

Det Insp Kirsty Watt, of Lancashire Police said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Harwood’s loved ones and everyone affected by this tragic accident.

“We are supporting the families of those involved and working with partners to establish what caused the bridge to collapse.”

What has been said about the incident?

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Det Insp Wyatt said: “My thoughts are very much with all those involved in what is a very sad and tragic incident.

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.”

Road closures remain in place on 19 January, and are expected to continue for some time. Det Insp Wyatt has said investigators were expected to remain at the scene over the coming days.

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

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