A DELIVERY driver had a lucky escape after his vehicle was swept away by a "ferocious" current and ended up lodged in a tree before being rescued by passers-by.

It happened at the ford near Moyles Court School on Sunday.

Terry Hill, who runs New Forest Home Care Companions in Fordingbridge, came across the incident at around 11.30am, and says the van had got washed away by the current - only being stopped after getting "jammed" about 200m downstream between trees.

He had been on his way home after taking his dog for a walk in the New Forest when he noticed a couple of vehicles and then saw the DPD van, which was "filling up with water".

"I went over as I'm first aid trained to see if there was anything I could do," said Mr Hill. "A young guy was in the process of dragging out the driver from passenger side window. He came out ok and was otherwise fine and was not injured."

"It could have been worse. I couldn't see how he would have got out of the vehicle on his own as the current was so fast. He was very lucky," added Mr Hill.

He says the current of the water was "ferocious" and the ford was "way past the normal height".

Mr Hill praised those who came to the man's rescue, adding: "I thought it was really quite inspiring - so many people stopped so quickly to do things."

He said the driver was "very lucky" that people were around to help who were "brave regardless of the jeopardy of the situation with the fast current".

A spokesperson for DPD said: "We are aware of the incident and can confirm that the driver is safe and was unhurt. Our team has since recovered the vehicle and the parcels on board.”

Storm Dennis caused widespread flooding across the area.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has the following advice for drivers: 

  • Avoid entering river fords during or after periods of rainfall - remember a car can be swept away in as little as two feet of water
  • Always pay attention to warning devices, such as depth gauges
  • If in any doubt, do not enter the water in a vehicle or on foot - find an alternative route
  • Motorists should slow down, cross in lower gears and keep revs up to maintain pressure in the exhaust to prevent water getting into the engine 
  • If water is safe to enter, always test your vehicle brakes on exiting

On Sunday, firefighters from Ringwood were called to assist fire crews from neighbouring Dorset after a car got stuck in floodwater in St Leonards. 

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Boundary Lane at 7.48am on Sunday.

Three crews attended from Ringwood, Ferndown and Redhill.

Salisbury Journal:

A wading team was deployed to the car and assisted the female driver to safety. The incident was dealt with by 8.12am.