Southampton: Digger ends up on its side in Coxford Road

The digger toppled over opposite parked cars in Coxford Road, blocking the route and forcing people driving home to take a diversion.

But no-one knows how it got there - or why it was on its side.

A digger ended up on its side in Coxford Road, blocking the route for about two hours (Image: John McMahon-Hett)

Coxford Road resident John McMahon-Hett said: "I was upstairs watching TV when I heard an almighty bang, and then another bang.

"I went outside a saw a dumper truck in the middle of the road, but we don't know where it came from."

Some of the people who took to social media suggested the digger had fallen off another vehicle. But Coxford Road runs past University Hospital Southampton, where a large amount of building work is going on.

Mr McMahon-Hett, 51, said: "We think it might have been taken for a bit of fun by someone who subsequently lost control.

Buses were held up after a mini-digger ended up on its side in Coxford Road (Image: John McMahon-Hett)

"Police were called and took about 20 minutes to arrive. After a while, the truck was taken away by a recovery vehicle.

"The incident held up all the buses, a few of which parked up.

"It happened at about 5.45pm on Wednesday and I think it was around 7.30pm before the road was clear."

About five buses in the area are thought to have been affected by the blockage.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Bluestar said: "Coxford Road from Maybush Corner blocked by an obstruction.

"A Bluestar 7 that should have left Lordshill at 17:45 is stuck. Police are on their way to help free bus."

In a separate post, Bluestar said bus services in the area were having to be diverted.

"Diversion in place because Coxford Road near Tanners Brook is currently blocked. Bluestar7 diverting from Maybush Corner via Romsey Rd, Winchester Rd & Warren Ave. Bluestar19 diverting from Romsey Rd via Winchester Rd & Warren Ave. Cannot serve Maybush Corner."

A police spokesperson said officers were alerted at 5.48pm.

They added: "We were made aware a digger was blocking Coxford Road. Officers attended and the digger was recovered to enable the road to re-open."

Coxford Road, normally one of the busiest routes in that part of the city, was strangely peaceful for about two hours.

One resident posted: "Wondered why it was so quiet. It's lovely, like lockdown all over again."