Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tribute to man killed in bridge collapse

Brian Harwood died after a vehicle and trailer fell into a river when a bridge collapsed in Lancashire.

Sophie Corcoran
Wednesday 19 January 2022 21:46 GMT
Tributes have been paid to Brian Harwood, who died after a bridge collapsed in Lancashire (Lancashire Constabulary/PA)
Tributes have been paid to Brian Harwood, who died after a bridge collapsed in Lancashire (Lancashire Constabulary/PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

The partner of a man who died after a vehicle and trailer fell into a river when a bridge collapsed said they are “devastated”.

Brian Harwood, 73, from Cumbria died following the incident on a farm in the Moor Lane area of Roeburndale, Lancashire on Tuesday.

Lancashire Constabulary said Mr Harwood died after a Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer fell into a river when a wooden bridge that was supported by scaffolding collapsed.

Brian meant so much to me and the people around us. Everyone he knew enjoyed his company

Brian Harwood's partner

The force said 11 people were in the vehicle and trailer at the time and two other men in their 60s and 70s are in hospital after suffering injuries in the incident.

Mr Harwood’s partner said in a statement: “Brian meant so much to me and the people around us. Everyone he knew enjoyed his company.

“We are devastated about what has taken place.”

Lancashire Constabulary said an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is under way and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Detective Inspector Kirsty Wyatt said: “Our investigation into yesterday’s bridge collapse is very much ongoing.

“Our thoughts remain with Mr Harwood’s loved ones and everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“We are supporting the families of those involved and working with partners to establish what caused the bridge to collapse.”

Investigators are expected to remain at the scene for a number of days.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in