**Waitrose Lorry Narrowly Escapes Disaster after Plunge into Lake in Gravesend**
Emergency services staged a dramatic rescue in the early hours of Saturday morning after a Waitrose lorry careered off the road and landed precariously on the edge of a lake in Gravesend, Kent. The shocking incident, reported at approximately 4:25am, resulted in a swift and coordinated response from local police, fire crews, and ambulance teams to extract the driver and secure the site.
The lorry, branded in Waitrose’s distinctive green, was found teetering on the bank of the water near Thames Way, Northfleet. Images captured by bystanders and drone footage depict the vehicle’s cab dangerously submerged in the lake, with its rear still gripping the roadside. The aftermath left locals stunned, with the potential for a far worse outcome keenly felt by emergency personnel and witnesses alike.
Eyewitnesses described a dramatic scene as crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, accompanied by six fire engines and two water safety units, undertook a complex and urgent extraction. Using specialist cutting equipment, the responders worked methodically to access the lorry’s cab and rescue the stranded driver. The South East Coast Ambulance Service was on standby to provide immediate care, ultimately transporting the driver to hospital for assessment.
Remarkably, authorities have confirmed that no injuries resulted from the incident, a testament to both the quick response and professional handling by first responders. “Kent Police was called at 4.25am on Saturday 26 July 2025 to reports that a lorry had entered the water near Thames Way, Northfleet,” a spokesperson announced, noting that the area remained cordoned off to allow safe recovery of the vehicle. The swift action of emergency services ensured that, despite the dangerous position of the vehicle, the event did not escalate into a major tragedy.
The cause of the accident is not yet fully clear, and authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation. The stretch of road near the lake is a well-used route, and questions remain about how the heavy goods vehicle veered off course in the early hours. Such incidents raise important concerns regarding road safety measures in areas bordering bodies of water, particularly when adverse weather or low visibility may play a role.
Waitrose, the supermarket firm whose lorry was involved, has acknowledged the incident and is cooperating fully with the ongoing enquiries by Kent Police and associated agencies. No further details have yet been released regarding the driver’s identity or the nature of the cargo onboard at the time of the crash.
For those living nearby, the event has prompted discussion over vehicle safety, road infrastructure, and the crucial work of emergency teams, who frequently risk their own wellbeing in such dangerous scenarios. Community leaders have praised the prompt and professional actions taken by the rescue services, highlighting the importance of continued training and investment in emergency response resources.
Road closures remain in place around the crash site, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area while heavy lifting equipment is deployed to remove the stranded lorry. The operation presents logistical challenges due to the lorry’s precarious position and the potential risks associated with removing large vehicles from water.
As investigations continue and the site is cleared, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable risks present on UK roads, even in quiet early morning hours. Fortunately, the quick mobilisation and expertise of Kent’s emergency services prevented what could have been a far graver outcome, providing reassurance to the local community and road users alike.