Amazon Driver Misguided by Sat Nav onto UK’s ‘Deadliest Footpath’
In a recent incident in Essex, an Amazon delivery van became trapped in mudflats along a route known as the “deadliest footpath in Britain.” The delivery driver, guided by a GPS, attempted to reach Foulness Island but followed an incorrect path onto The Broomway.
Incident Details
The emergency services received the alert at 11:30 AM on Sunday. The delivery vehicle was reported stuck on The Broomway, a challenging six-mile trail stretching across the sands from Southend-on-Sea to Foulness Island. Locals have highlighted the area’s dangers, especially for vehicles.
Coastguard Response
- Southend Coastguard Rescue Team was dispatched.
- They confirmed that no individuals were in danger.
- The team stood down shortly after assessing the situation.
Amazon was notified, and arrangements were made for vehicle recovery. A local farmer helped extract the van by 3:30 PM the same day.
The Broomway: A Historical Perspective
The Broomway is over 600 years old and has a rich history of use by farmers and travelers before the establishment of modern roads. Managed by Essex Highways, the path also lies on a Ministry of Defence (MOD) firing range operated by the defense firm Qinetiq.
Safety Concerns
- The area is accessible only when firing ranges are inactive.
- Motorists are advised to take the designated route through Qinetiq’s security office.
- Signs on-site warn of the significant hazards associated with The Broomway.
This notorious pathway is prone to rapid tides and dense fog, leading to dangerously low visibility. Historical records indicate that at least 100 individuals have perished on The Broomway, either from becoming stranded by the tide or from disorientation.
Local Reputation
The Broomway has garnered a fearsome reputation among locals as perhaps the most perilous pathway in Britain. The last recorded death occurred in 1919, reinforcing the site’s notoriety.
As of now, Amazon has not issued a public statement regarding the incident. Authorities continue to stress the importance of using caution when navigating this hazardous area.
