No comment from transport firm as inquiry continues
As the investigation into what happened gets underway, many have speculated about what a lorry was doing carrying a digger on the hard shoulder – and how it brought the bridge down.
Signage of contractors Varley and Gulliver remain on the structure, which was initially built in the 80s, suggesting repairs may have been underway on the footbridge at the time of the incident.
However, when the Kent Messenger contacted the firm, it said its logo was only present because of work to strengthen the metal parapet several years ago.
The livery of the digger involved stated it belonged to P Flannery Plant Hire.
This company, which has offices in Wembley, took to social media to distance itself from what happened, saying it had no role in the transport of the machinery.
Auto Renovations, which was transporting the digger, declined to comment while the investigation was ongoing.
Expert John Jermy, secretary of the Bridge Joint Association, said it is not unusual to see such a collapse after a being struck by a vehicle.
He said: “Quite often pedestrian bridges are put in place in three sections – two supports and a drop-in section in the middle, and it appears as if this middle section has come down.”
Witnesses should call Kent Police’s serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538 quoting reference 27-0690 or by emailing sciu. td@kent.pnn.police.uk