FIRE crews from Holsworthy and Hatherleigh fire stations were called to assist rescue efforts after a vehicle collided with a bridge.

The incident, which took place on New Year’s Day in Ashwater is believed to have been caused by black ice on rural, often untreated roads with reports across Devon and Cornwall of motorists finding their commute more difficult than usual as a result.

Representing the first ‘shout’ of the year for the fire fighters at Holsworthy Fire Station, after arriving at the scene it transpired that the motorist involved in the incident had managed to free themselves from the vehicle and were being kept warm at a nearby property.

Prior to the arrival of the ambulance, the fire crews in attendance checked the individual over for injuries before making the vehicle safe and utilising winching equipment to move the stricken automobile to a safer location in order to re open the closed road.

A spokesperson on behalf of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s Holsworthy fire station said: “First shout of 2026 we was mobilised with a crew of 4 to the above area to a vehicle that had collided with a bridge with persons believed to be trapped.

“En route we came across plenty of black ice on the back lanes making progress a little slower. On arrival the occupant was free from the vehicle and keeping warm in a nearby property. One of our crew members attended the driver and checked them over for any injuries prior to arrival of the ambulance service.

“The crew made the vehicle safe and used winching equipment to move the vehicle to a safer place in order to open the road. All other on coming appliances were stood down as not required. “