Cowes chain ferry closed after accident

Image source, Island echo

Image caption, The car pinned the chain ferry worker to the bridge's metal ramp

A man has been seriously injured after he was pinned between a car and a metal ramp on an Isle of Wight chain ferry.

The Cowes floating bridge worker was taken to hospital with suspected head and leg injuries just before 19:00 BST.

The driver of the car, who is believed to have accelerated by accident on to the bridge, was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Image source, Island echo

Image caption, The floating bridge is closed until further notice

Isle of Wight Council said the chain ferry was "currently suspended until further notice".

The statement added that it was "due to the vessel being damaged by a vehicle that drove into it".

The floating bridge provides a foot passenger and vehicle link across the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes.

Image source, Island echo

Image caption, The bridge has been cordoned off

The closure is expected to cause disruption for the start of the annual Cowes Week on Saturday.