Circus Trailer Crashes Into Southampton Flats

4 May 2010, 12:25 | Updated: 4 May 2010, 12:27

A block of flats in Southampton had to be evacuated in Southampton this morning after a trailer came loose from the lorry towing it and crashed into the building.

The lorry was travelling along Bitterne Road West just after 6 this morning when the trailer somehow came unhitched, careered across the road, and crashed into Avalon House. The lorry was from the Moscow State Circus, which had been performing in Mayflower Park over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The A3024 was closed for several hours at the junction with Rampart Road while firecrews and police made the scene safe. It caused massive rush hour queues as Bitterne Road West is one of the main routes into Southampton.

One woman needed ambulance treatment for shock, but no-one was hurt.

Three flats were damaged by the trailer and have been secured by structural engineers.

The entire block has been evacuated and some residents were taken to a nearby fitness centre while others are staying with friends and family.

Police are questioning the lorry driver, a 35-year-old man, on suspicion of a motoring offence.