THERE was significant traffic chaos near the entrance to Portavadie after a heavy crane left the road in the early hours of Monday morning, causing disruption as recovery efforts got underway.
The large vehicle came to rest on the soft roadside verge at around 3am, leaving the route obstructed and traffic building up in both directions.
According to an eyewitness who spoke to the driver at the scene, the crane had been stranded for several hours while arrangements were made for its recovery.
The driver was reportedly concerned about the possible consequences of the incident, although there was no indication that he had been injured.
With traffic unable to pass, some motorists in vehicles suitable for off-road driving used a rough forestry track running behind the main road and into the marina area.
However, the narrow road and vehicles occupying passing places created additional difficulties for recovery crews attempting to reach the stranded crane.
A heavy recovery truck eventually arrived in the area but was reportedly forced to approach via the forestry track because of the congestion on the main route.
The eyewitness reported that the road remained blocked at approximately 2.25pm on Monday, more than 11 hours after the incident.
No police presence was observed at the scene during the eyewitness’s visit.
