Driver Survives “Crater” Pothole Incident on A346, Loses Classic Car
Andrew McQueen and his 10-year-old daughter experienced a terrifying ordeal on the A346 through Savernake Forest, Wiltshire, on the evening of Sunday, February 22. The pair were returning from a family trip to Peppa Pig World when McQueen’s Aston Martin struck a severe pothole described as a “crater,” shearing off a front wheel and causing a complete loss of vehicle control.
“We were doing well below the speed limit but on that stretch the potholes are so bad, they’re craters,” McQueen recounted. Despite attempting to navigate around numerous hazards, the impact was unavoidable. “There was a crash that felt like we’d hit a wall, I was zig-zagging in and out of oncoming traffic trying to get control of the car.”
The Aston Martin and Mr McQueen’s daughter (Image: Andrew McQueen)
Extensive Damage and a Lucky Escape
The mechanical damage was catastrophic. The force of the strike not only ripped the wheel from the vehicle but also pulled out the brake line and dragged the engine along the road surface. McQueen, from Tetbury, emphasized that his primary relief was the safety of his daughter. “We were really close to getting hurt, I don’t even care about the car now I’m just glad my daughter and I are ok. It was really scary… we’re lucky to be alive.”
The incident has left McQueen facing the potential loss of his “pride and joy”—a car he described as a “dream car” used for special occasions. “It was our best car and I hardly ever take it out,” he said, reflecting on the memories made in the vehicle. “It was just amazing, we’ve been to lovely places in it and made lots of memories, it was a pleasure owning it.”
Council Response and Road Safety Reporting
While the specific incident had not been formally reported to the authority at the time of the statement, Wiltshire Council acknowledged the poor condition of the A346 in the Savernake area. Cllr Martin Smith, the cabinet member for highways, expressed sympathy and confirmed that emergency repair works would be undertaken at the site. Weather permitting, these repairs were scheduled to begin on Friday, February 27.
The council highlighted the importance of public reporting in maintaining road safety. Residents are urged to report potholes and other highway defects via the dedicated MyWilts reporting system, accessible through a smartphone app for Apple or Android devices, or online at www.wilts.gov.uk/mywilts. This system allows for efficient logging and prioritization of repairs across the county’s road network.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining rural road infrastructure and the potentially devastating consequences of deferred maintenance. McQueen’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely repairs and the systems in place for the public to flag hazards.
Image Credit: www.gazetteandherald.co.uk
