It has been confirmed that the lorry that is ‘sinking’ in Bristol harbour was at the location for filming of season two of Stephen Merchant’s new show, The Outlaws.
Before 7am this morning, the HGV ended up backwards in the water near Millenium Square, with the cab on land and the trailer submerged.
A major rescue effort is now underway to get the lorry back fully onto dry land, with Avon Fire and Rescue and a recovery crew working at the scene.
READ MORE: Bristol lorry crash: HGV plunges into floating harbour - updates
It has been confirmed by the production company that it was one of their vehicles that was involved, and they also stated that the driver is uninjured.
The Outlaws is a brand new BBC show from Bristol legend Stephen Merchant, with season one premiering on BBC One on Monday, October 25.
Production for season two is already underway in Bristol, with filming currently taking place at the Bristol Harbourside, next to Millennium Square.
A production spokesperson told Bristol Live: “An accident occurred involving one of our production vehicles. No one was hurt or in the vehicle.
“We are investigating what happened and working on removing the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible.”
Recovery efforts have been underway for over four hours at the time of writing. Firefighters are currently waiting for a fuel truck to arrive to remove around 1,000 litres of diesel from the HGV's tank.
Winches and a recovery truck are being used to secure the HGV while firefighters wait for the fuel truck to arrive, which our photographer has heard is coming from Wales.
Avon Fire and Rescue have deployed multiple crews to the scene, and the harbourmaster evacuated people from nearby boats the rescue effort proceeds.
Fire engines and a boat remain on scene as a precaution. The HGV remains in a precarious position, and crowds of onlookers have gathered around the water to see the scene for themselves.
The fire service said in a statement earlier today: “Crews were mobilised to reports of a lorry over the side of Bristol Harbour at 07.19am.
“On arrival, crews found one HGV submerged in the water, the driver had already made it to safety.
“The truck is now fully in the docks and believed to be sinking. Nearby boats are being evacuated and cordons are being put in place.
“We currently have three fire appliances, one heavy rescue tender and a boat on the scene and firefighters are currently using two winches in attempt to secure the lorry.
“The Harbourmaster and Bristol City Council have been informed of the incident. Ambulance crews are also on the scene.”
Follow the latest updates on the removal efforts here.
Get the best stories about the things you love most curated by us and delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you love here
