Lucky escape for driver as van crashes into River Avon Published duration 30 December 2019

image copyright @Shonette via Twitter

A driver and passenger had a lucky escape when their van crashed into a river in Bristol.

The pair managed to escape after the vehicle ploughed through railings and into the Avon shortly after 07:00 GMT on Monday.

Police said the van went into the water after travelling down an embankment at Langton Street Bridge, near York Road.

The A370 York Road is currently closed in both directions.

Avon and Somerset Police said the two men were able to get out of the car and were being checked by paramedics.

A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue said: "The van went through a section of railings and took out a couple of trees before coming to rest in a very precarious position.

"Crews from three fire stations were called, and a boat was deployed on the river in case the van flipped over."