Ref. 28495-50MOTORISTS had a narrow escape when a lorry carrying heavy scrap metal crashed into a bridge, shedding its load.

Police were called to the accident blackspot at Bruce Street Bridges in Rodbourne Cheney, shortly before noon yesterday.

One of the items sent crashing on to the road was a 15ft steel container.

Robert Gosling, the owner of Ron's Stores in Rodbourne Road, said it was lucky that nobody was hurt.

"It was fortunate a car was not travelling behind it. It would have caused a real mess," he said."The accident caused a traffic build-up until the police arrived and sorted it."

Des Wilcocks, 78, who lives in nearby Collett Avenue, said: "I saw the lorry with all the rubbish spread out over the road. It was a mess and will take some tidying up. A lot of cars were being diverted."

Steve Law, 48, the manager of Swindon Mobility, in Kemble Drive, said the accident did not come as a surprise.

He said: "There are always accidents around here usually at least two a day. Sometimes I come out with a broom to sweep the glass and debris away."

Alvina Kumar, of Swindon police, said: "It appears a lorry struck one of the bridges which resulted in it shedding its load. Nobody was hurt and traffic was diverted. Both Swindon Council and Network Rail were immediately informed."

Network Rail spokesman Simon Brooks said: "We were informed about the bridge strike and trains using the bridge were slowed down, which caused a degree of disruption."

The road was closed for an hour.