A lorry, reportedly carrying equipment for a band due to perform at the Download Festival, was involved in a collision with a house and several parked cars in Isley Walton, Leicestershire, on Thursday evening. The incident occurred on Walton Hill, a short distance from Donington Park, where thousands of rock music fans are gathering for the UK's largest rock and metal festival this weekend.
Leicestershire Police confirmed officers were called to the scene at approximately 11:20 PM BST following reports of the crash. While no one inside the affected property was injured, the driver of the lorry was transported to hospital, where they remain. The force stated that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance to manage the situation.
Images from the site depict visible damage to both the house and vehicles that were parked nearby. A relative of the property's owners informed the BBC that the lorry was understood to be transporting gear for one of the bands scheduled to perform on the main Apex Stage on Friday, adding a notable context to the incident unfolding as the festival commenced.
The road was closed for several hours overnight to allow emergency services to work and for initial recovery efforts. However, authorities have since confirmed that Walton Hill has reopened, easing local traffic concerns. The incident occurred as the Download Festival, a key event in the UK's music calendar, kicked off, drawing a large influx of visitors to the Leicestershire area.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently unclear, though investigations are likely to be underway. The safety of festival logistics, particularly the transport of valuable and heavy equipment, is paramount for such large-scale events, and this incident highlights the potential challenges faced by support crews en route to major venues.