Lorry crashes into Dubai's Shindagha Tunnel

Vehicle was carrying a heavy digger which was sent flying off the flatbed

The digger was mounted on a flatbed truck that crashed into the tunnel's low ceiling. Courtesy: Dubai Police

A lorry carrying an excavator crashed into the ceiling of Shindagha Tunnel on Sunday, Dubai Police said.

The driver failed to adhere to height restrictions.

The tunnel's damaged metal frame and excavator blocked the entrance.

No injuries were reported.

Col Omar Musa Ashour, deputy director of Naif Police Station, said a rescue team closed both sides of the tunnel, while officers diverted traffic.

“In a record time and within a few hours, the joint team successfully managed to clear the tunnel," he said.

"The truck and the excavator were towed and the metal frame [was removed] and the tunnel was reopened to the public before they started the day and headed to work.”

Col Ashour said the lorry driver ignored all road signs and warnings that heavy vehicles are not allowed in the tunnel. He urged motorists to pay attention to road signs to avoid accidents.