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A section of River Thames towpath on a popular walking route near Kew Gardens collapsed into the river, with runners warned not to try and cross the flooded area.
Footage taken of the collapse showed a torrent of water washing away the section of towpath at west London’s Syon Reach on Saturday, stopping joggers in their tracks
The section of path between Kew Gardens and Richmond Lock has now been sectioned off for public safety.
A witness told the BBC that the incident caused “panic” among unsuspecting dog walkers who were confronted with the collapsing path.
Ed Baker, who had been running nearby when the “huge gap” appeared, told the broadcaster: "There were dog-walkers running back towards us in a panic, saying the path had collapsed.
"We thought maybe we could jump over it, so we went to have a look and the hole in the path was enormous, it was monstrous... way bigger than I could have imagined or envisaged.
"It was pouring with rain and it was really heavy water bashing it."
More shots of the terrifying power of water in the collapsing Thames Path near Kew Gardens., London. A landslip or a breach in the embankment may be to blame. Runners were stopped as the bank was swept away. Credit for video: Ed Baker #thames #london #towpath #flood pic.twitter.com/TXBFo7UJG0
— Gareth Furby (@GarethFurby) October 20, 2024
The hole could now leave the route impassible for weeks as engineers work to reinforce the site.
A spokesperson for Richmond Council said: “A section of the Thames towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens car park has collapsed into the river.
“We are asking people to follow signage on the towpath and please do not try and walk through the flooded area as it is not safe.”
Bollards have since been erected as engineers work on the site and a diversion is in place. A timeline for repairs will be publicised in the coming days, said the council spokesperson.
The Port of London Authority (PLA), which manages the stretch of the water, has urged river vessels to approach with caution, although the river remains navigable for boats.
“Mariners are advised that a portion of the south embankment in Syon Reach has collapsed, leading to a landside which has encroached into the river Thames and authorised channel,” said a PLA spokesperson.
“The landside consisting of earth, debris and trees has reduced the navigable depth of water in this area and poses a potential hazard to navigation.
“Mariners should navigate in this area with great caution, noting the potential reduction in available water depth.”
