Food delivery robot jams canal bridge in Vääksy, halting traffic

A food delivery robot failed to recognize traffic lights at the Vääksy canal in Asikkala on Monday, driving onto the lift bridge and falling six to seven meters into the gap below, jamming the structure in place.

The bridge remained raised for nearly half an hour, forcing traffic onto a detour. Rescue crews from Päijät-Häme emergency services secured the scene before two firefighters descended to attach the robot to a rope and lift it clear.

Fire chief Jukka Lindström, who led the operation, said such an incident had never occurred before at the canal. He noted the response required precise coordination to ensure the bridge did not move during the recovery.

The incident was first reported by Ilta-Sanomat.