ONE driver had to be cut free following a two-vehicle crash on Rochester Bridge that created traffic chaos. It needed police, fire and ambulance crews to deal with the accident, which destroyed part of the stone wall of the bridge.

A transit van and a green Nissan car were involved in the crash just before 4.30pm at the Rochester end of the bridge on Friday. Both drivers were treated for shock and minor injuries, but neither was thought to have been seriously injured.

Closure of the Strood-bound side of the bridge meant traffic had to be directed towards The Esplanade and massive tailbacks jammed the area for two hours. Medway Council engineers had to examine the bridge for possible structural damage, while the fire brigade dealt with a petrol spillage.