An investigation has been launched into the extent of damage to an historic building ? after a container truck crashed into it yesterday afternoon.

The Manor House bridge on Harrington Sound Road, built in the 1920s, was struck when a flat-bed container truck tried to drive underneath.

Caretaker Warren Darrell heard a loud crash as the stones of the bridge came crashing down at about 2.30 p.m. Witnesses said the driver of the truck received chest and wrist injuries, not believed to be life-threatening.

Police blocked the entrance to Harrington Sound Road for about an hour while Government engineers assessed the damage. Caretaker of Manor House, Warren Darrell, was unable to confirm how long it would take to repair the damaged bridge and adjoining tower. But he added: "They are trying to preserve as much as possible."

Richard Gibson, director of Manor House said: "It shook so hard [that it shook the tower as well." The impact caused the tower to crack inside, he added.

He was unsure if the bridge's structure was safe. The truck involved in the crash was three feet too high to go under the bridge, he added.

Works & Engineering officials were unable to comment on the damage or say how long it would take to be repaired.

A Police spokesman could not provide information last night about damage to the bridge.