Tractor plunges into Laois canal
Firefighters at the scene near Vicarstown last night. Photo:: Laois County Fire and Rescue Service
CREWS from two Laois fire stations rushed to the scene after a tractor plunged into a canal last night.
The tractor rolled into the Grand Canal in the Vicarstown area, shortly before 7pm on Monday evening.
Laois County Fire and Rescue Service reported today that a boat from Stradbally and an environmental protection unit from Portlaoise were used in the recovery operation.
Fortunately, there were no injuries and the tractor was hauled out without causing toxic leaks in the canal water.
It has not been confirmed whether a driver was in the tractor cab at the time of the incident.
The fire service said on social media today: ‘Our crews responded to an incident where a tractor had gone into the Grand Canal last night.
‘Thankfully, there were no injuries. The boat from Stradbally Fire Station was used, along with the environmental protection unit from Portlaoise Fire Station, to place oil booms in case of any fuel or oil leaks.
‘Fortunately, no leaks occurred. Crews also assisted getting the lifting lines onto the tractor for recovery.’
After a lengthy operation, the tractor was safely removed onto the grass verge beside the canal and crews from both stations were stood down.
