Community Expresses Concern After Boulder Dropped From Bridge Seriously Injures Van Driver

Residents of Rainworth have reported feeling shocked and concerned following an incident where a boulder was dropped from a bridge onto a man’s van. Police confirmed that a 26-year-old driver suffered serious injuries on Friday night when a large rock, thrown from a crossing over the A617 in Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, penetrated his windscreen. The road was subsequently closed for several hours while officers conducted investigations at the scene. On Saturday, Nottinghamshire Police issued an appeal, characterizing the event as an “abhorrent act” and requesting that witnesses come forward. Christopher Mallor, 45, commented on the event, stating: “It’s quite shocking. I walk across the bridge a couple of times a week and the fact that something’s been thrown over the top – it seems quite an effort to do that because it’s got barriers both sides.” He further added, “It is worrying. Obviously you don’t want to look up and see that coming down at you.” Anne Simpson, an 81-year-old resident of Rainworth for over 50 years, expressed her incomprehension regarding the motivation behind such an act. Reflecting on driving beneath the bridge, she remarked: “It probably would be on my mind now.” She continued, “It’s just not something you expect to happen.” Glen McPherson, 44, from Mansfield, who is employed at a school near the bridge, described the incident as “shocking and senseless.” He suggested, “It’s a bit of a blind spot. It’d be good if they could put some cameras on that bridge because it’s quite remote.” McPherson concluded, “It’s quite nerve-wracking now and it’s definitely made me think and check when I’ve driven under [the bridge] this weekend.” An unnamed woman mentioned the difficulty of visibility around the bridge during nighttime hours. She stated: “I drive up and down there regularly.” She further elaborated, “I came back that way the other day and I actually made sure I had a quick look up to make sure there was nothing on top.” Tom Smith, a Conservative councillor representing Rainworth, acknowledged previous instances of “a bit of antisocial behaviour” but asserted that Friday’s incident “went far beyond antisocial behaviour.” He noted that residents were “rightly” angered by the event, yet had been “rallying around” the individual who was impacted. Smith concluded by stating: “It is just the actions of this individual or indeed these individuals who have attempted to cause this harm and cause this fear in people and that is appalling that it’s happened and there’s no excuse for it.” For further updates, BBC Nottingham can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is available.