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Firefighters rescue disabled charity mini-bus from ford
By Jon NurseMay 01, 2012
Disabled young people had to be rescued from a Wokingham ford this morning after their mini-bus became trapped in rising floodwater.
The bus from the Ark Trust, a charity that works to enhances the lives of people with disabilities, got stuck in the Redlake Lane ford in Wokingham.
A crew from Wokingham fire station was called at 10.30am.
The six passengers in the bus, including four disabled young people, waited in the vehicle while the crew used a winch to pull the mini-bus free.
Steve Beard, watch manager at Wokingham fire station, said: "The driver was used to the road and the ford and it appeared to him that it was not that deep.
"If people approach the ford they should not go across unless they are confident they can cross. The water looks calm and shallow but it can be very deceiving."
The water level went as high as the top of the stranded vehicle's wheels and water entered inside.
Nobody was injured in the incident and the fire crew reported the young people "quite enjoyed the experience".
The road had not been closed when the bus got stuck, however Wokingham Borough Council has since announced it is closed to traffic.
The rescued youngsters later delivered hand drawn thank you cards to the station.
Road closures and flooding due to heavy rainfall
The rescue follows heavy rain over the weekend, which has also hit other parts of the country and left several roads in Wokingham closed.
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