A major road has been shut after a bus sunk into a hole where roadworks are ongoing.

The incident happened in the early hours of the morning today when a 248 bus going towards Romford Market was seen stranded in Front Lane, Cranham.

The road was blocked by the bus for several minutes until a tow truck was ordered by deputy leader of Havering Council, Councillor Gillian Ford.

Romford Recorder: The bus had blocked Front Lane for several minutes The bus had blocked Front Lane for several minutes (Image: Tom Parker)Cllr Ford told the Recorder that the bus had sunk into the waterworks but has since been removed. The road is expected to remain shut for at least two more days for repairs to be carried out.

Read More: Hall Lane, Upminster could be shut for drainage works

She said in a Facebook comment: “A tow truck has been ordered and I have blocked both ends to stop traffic and allow vehicles to remove the bus.

“We are just discussing how we can operate a diversion for the 248. I have a council team coming out to work with all companies to see what can be done”.

Havering Council confirmed the closure on X, formerly Twitter, and has advised motorists to avoid the area. 

Bus route 248, according to Transport for London (TfL), has been operating on a diversion route between Hall Lane and Front Lane via Ingrebourne Gardens in both directions due to drainage works from 7am on Friday (March 29) to 7 pm on Sunday (April 14).

The TfL website says: “Buses towards Cranham are not serving stops from the Fairway to Kings Gardens. Buses towards Romford Market are not serving stops from Kings Gardens to the Fairway”.