Photos show the Waitrose lorry plunged into a lake and entered the water close to Thames Way in Gravesend, Kent, with the heavy goods vehicle dangling down the bank of the road
This is the shocking moment a Waitrose lorry veered off a road and plunged into a lake – sparking an emergency rescue operation.
Emergency services were called in the early hours of Saturday following reports the heavy goods vehicle had entered the water near Thames Way in Gravesend, Kent. Pictures and videos taken at the scene show the Waitrose lorry hanging down the lake’s bank off the road – with the cab partially detached and submerged in water.
A witness said the driver was rescued by Kent Fire and Rescue Service and taken to hospital by South East Coast Ambulance Service. No injuries have been reported.
According to reporter, police, six fire engines, and two water safety units attended, with crews using specialist cutting equipment to rescue one person from the vehicle. Kent Police told ITV: “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.
“Officers are currently at the scene and a road closure is in place whilst recovery of the vehicle is arranged. No injuries were reported.”
Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and Waitrose have been contacted for comment.
The crash has echoes of a school bus plunge into a river last month as children shouted they were “going to die.” Dramatic footage showed the moment the double decker hurtled along a road in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
The youngster who recorded it could be heard saying oh my f***ing god, the bus has just had a major crash and now he’s speeding off”. About 10 people could be seen on the top deck of the bus as it travelled along the road.
The front window appeared to have sustained damage with the youngster then being heard shouting: “We’re going to die, we’re actually going to die’.
“What’s he doing? Oh my god,” he cries out in the video. The teen shouts “we’re actually going to die” then all that can be heard are screeches, screams, and loud bangs as the bus crashes through barriers and into the River Itchen.
The video then cut out as it appeared passengers were sent flying from their seat. Police have since praised the bravery of members of the public and emergency services who helped rescue some of the students and the driver who were trapped on board.
Emergency services were alerted following the crash, with 20 people including the driver onboard and five people being taken to hospital.
Inspector Andy Tester, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: “It must have been terrifying and my thoughts are very much with the children and the driver on the bus who must have had a terrifying experience.” He said several people including the driver were trapped onboard when emergency services arrived.
