Just before 7am on Sunday, March 22 Hampshire Police were called about a report of a single car collision in Ringwood Road.
A silver car crashed into Coronation bridge, positioned nose-down in Sopley Brook, with its smashed headlights and front tyres submerged in the water while the rear wheels remained wedged on the riverbank.
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Car crash on Coronation Bridge in Sopley (Image: The Woolpack Pub)
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “No injuries have been reported, and no arrests have been made.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
The structure of Coronation Bridge, which sits just opposite The Woolpack pub, has been visibly impacted by the collision and brick work damaged.
This stretch of road has long been a hotspot for collisions, with several incidents reported over the years. In 2015 alone, four separate crashes occurred within a single month, followed by a van accident in 2018 and another car collision in December 2023.
Van crash, Sopley, 2018
According to the landowners of The Woolpack pub, locals report a crash every year and cars have been reportedly flipped upside down in the brook, meaning the historic bridge has been repaired multiple times.
Barbara Smith, landlady of The Woolpack pub, said: “The village of Sopley is very old and is even in the Domesday Book.
“The road system around us on the road between Ringwood and Christchurch is old and wiggly.
“The junction by the pub and over the bridge is a T junction but should not be approached too fast as it’s quite a tight turn.”
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The Woolpack pub has been closed since January, reportedly due to the worst flooding they have ever seen, and are about to start major refurbishments following extreme water damage.
Barbara said: “All flooring has been removed, and furniture gone away to be cleaned.
“We hope to start refurbishing very soon and can’t wait to reopen.
“The locals have been so supportive, and all their good wishes keep us motivated to not only restore our beautiful pub but further develop the facilities for our guests.
“We really are the hub of a beautiful community, and we are missing being there for everyone.”
Reopening dates will be posted on The Woolpack Pub social media.