Shocking footage shows ambulance with its blue lights flashing stuck in traffic jam with no way to get past on residential street after nearby main road closed due to gas works

• An ambulance on an emergency call-out became stuck in a traffic jam in Kent 

This is the moment an ambulance with its blue lights flashing became stuck in gridlocked traffic as drivers filtered down residential roads to avoid a road closure.

The ambulance, which was on its way to an emergency call-out, was stuck behind several vehicles on a road with only enough room for one car to pass at a time.

A few vehicles are seen to be in front of the ambulance, with the leading car stuck bumper-to-bumper with another car travelling in the opposite direction down the road – which also had a long queue of cars behind it.

Road users had flocked to the narrow residential road in Canterbury, Kent, after emergency gas works forced the closure of an A road in nearby Wincheap.

Sideroads in the area have become gridlocked since the road was shut last Wednesday.

An ambulance, which was on its way to an emergency call-out, was stuck behind several vehicles on a road with only enough room for one car to pass at a time

A few vehicles are seen to be in front of the ambulance, with the leading car stuck bumper-to-bumper with another car travelling in the opposite direction down the road

The disruptive roadworks, which were initially due to finish on October 16, have now been extended until November 1.

Footage captured in Norman Road, off Old Dover Road, shows an ambulance trapped in one of the chaotic traffic jams that have ensued.

Josh Leppenwell witnessed what he described as ‘absolute carnage’ took place in front of him whilst he worked on Norman Road.

The 30-year-old, who works for renewable energy company Eternal Energy Systems, explained: ‘Traffic was at its worst between 10am and midday.

‘It was stop-start all day and the ambulance was probably held up for about five to eight minutes – which is life and death.

‘Having spoken to the paramedic as she sat in the traffic, she said she had an emergency.

‘Throughout the day it was like this but also had its clear spells.

‘At one point, we witnessed a lady hit a parked car as she was struggling to manoeuvre to allow cars through.

‘There were also a few verbal altercations.’

Kent Highways has warned those travelling in the area to expect delays until the works end.

A statement by gas distribution company SGN said: ‘We had originally hoped to complete this work under a two-way temporary traffic light in Wincheap.

‘However, due to operational difficulties including the size and number of excavations required, we now need to close Wincheap both ways for everyone’s safety.

‘The road will be closed from 2pm [on Wednesday, 25/10] with significant signed diversion routes in place for motorists.

‘We would advise motorists to avoid travelling if possible or leave extra time for your journey.

‘We have also temporarily closed Simmonds Road and Tudor Road at their junctions with Wincheap.’

The company were also unable to confirm when the road will reopen, adding: ‘To complete our work as quickly as possible, we’ll continue to work extended hours every day from 7.30am to 11pm.

‘It’s still too soon to say how quickly we’ll complete our urgent repairs, but we will provide updates.’

The work is being carried out at the junction with Simmonds Road, which has been closed at its junction with the A28.

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