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Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Everything we know about A55 Conwy Tunnel fire as disruption could last 'for days'
Everything we know about A55 Conwy Tunnel fire as disruption could last 'for days' A major incident was declared by the fire service and there was travel chaos across north Wales as a result of the fire and thick smoke Drivers were advised to stay in their vehicles due to the smoke (Image: Marcus Copeland ) A huge fire which saw smoke billowing from the A55 Conwy Tunnel and a major incident being declared could cause disruption for the coming days, the fire service has said. After the blaze broke out on Thursday afternoon (June 19) there were huge tailbacks on the A55 and surrounding roads as drivers sought alternative routes. The road was closed in both directions near Conwy until the early hours of Friday morning. However, drivers still face disruption as the westbound carriageway remains closed from J19 to J17. According to traffic monitoring site Inrix, traffic can use the eastbound tunnel via a contraflow system. North Wales Live understands that a crane vehicle burst into flames inside the tunnel shortly after 2pm. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Article continues below By 3.42pm, the fire had been declared a 'major incident' by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. In a statement, the service said: 'We're working with multi-agency partners to control the fire, protect the environment and re-open the tunnel as soon as it's safe to do so.' It's thought the tunnel fire involved a crane truck (Image: Eira D'Arcy ) North Wales Police initially urged all motorists caught up in queues to 'stay in their vehicles due to heavy smoke in the area'. One driver described how he emerged from Conwy Tunnel to see smoke billowing into the sky. In an update at 5.30pm, the fire service said the fire had been brought under control. Here is everything we know so far about the major incident: What have the emergency services said? The latest update from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, released at 6pm on Thursday, June 19, says: A multi-agency response is underway following a major incident involving a vehicle fire in the Conwy Tunnel on the westbound A55. The fire was reported at 13:48, and emergency services are working together at the scene. "The fire is now under control, and we can confirm that there have been no fatalities. "Due to the scale of the incident and the need for ongoing safety assessments, the Conwy Tunnel remains closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for a significant amount of time. Detailed inspections will need to be carried out to determine the extent of any damage before the tunnel can be safely re-opened. "We are aware of the severe disruption that has been caused and that traffic along the A55 has been affected, however diversions are in place. Roads in and around the Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llanrwst and Betws-y-Coed areas are extremely busy at this time – including nearby villages, and we urge motorists to allow plenty of time for their travels. "We anticipate that there will be significant disruption for the next few days, and motorists are being advised to allow additional time for their journeys and to keep up to date with the latest traffic and travel information via Traffic Wales. "We are urging the public to: Keep windows and doors closed if you live nearby, as a precaution due to smoke in the area. Avoid the area, there are significant delays on the A55 and surrounding routes. Use the strategic diversion route. "We thank the public for their continued patience and cooperation as agencies work together to manage the situation safely and effectively." The view from Conwy Marina (Image: North Wales Live ) Was anybody injured? There were fears that people might have been trapped inside the tunnel as smoke billowed out. The emergency services have not yet commented on whether anyone was hurt, but the fire service confirmed there were no fatalities. When will the tunnel reopen? On Thursday evening, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said that, "due to the scale of the incident and the need for ongoing safety assessments, the Conwy Tunnel remains closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for a significant amount of time. "Detailed inspections will need to be carried out to determine the extent of any damage before the tunnel can be safely re-opened." They added that they expected there to be "significant disruption" for "the next few days". The eastbound tunnel has re-opened, with traffic using it via a contraflow system. As the fire happened in the westbound tunnel, it is understood that this could remain closed for some time. 'I thought it might explode', witnesses say Eira D'Arcy, who was travelling to Anglesey, said: "The tunnel was still open when we came through. It was scary as I thought it may explode and wanted to get out of the tunnel." Another driver told North Wales Live that there was "smoke everywhere" and emergency messages playing in the tunnel. Marcus Copeland said: "We were coming back from Anglesey when we saw some white smoke coming from the tunnel, then lots of thick black smoke started coming out. We were the closest vehicle to the tunnel at that point, so we pulled over into a slip road and walked up the bank, there was acrid black smoke everywhere. It was really bad. "You could here audio messages in the tunnel telling people to leave their vehicles and walk out. There are lots of police and fire engines at the scene. "Cars were being turned round the wrong way on the A55 to come off and we are the last car coming off down a slip road. Looking behind us you can see the A55 is empty, apart from wagons and buses which are also now being turned around. There is still lots of black smoke. "It is really hot and whatever caused the fire, it could have been caused by the heat." Article continues below
North Wales Live
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
When will A55 Conwy Tunnels reopen after devastating fire
The images of smoke billowing out of one of the Conwy tunnels caused shock today and the immediate impact on the road network was devastating. It is understood that the blaze started when a mobile crane caught fire in the westbound lanes. A motorist described the scary moment they went past the smoking vehicle. The positive is that despite the dramatic stories and images there were no fatalities. The crane driver, police and other emergency services - as well as the actions of other motorists - have been praised for that immediate response that prevented a disaster becoming a tragedy. But as of this evening both the eastbound and westbound tunnels remain closed - resulting in major disruption continuing. The question will now be how long will the tunnels remain closed. The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said earlier today that "Due to the scale of the incident and the need for ongoing safety assessments, the Conwy Tunnel remains closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for a significant amount of time. "Detailed inspections will need to be carried out to determine the extent of any damage before the tunnel can be safely reopened." Earlier this evening they then posted that "We anticipate that there will be significant disruption for the next few days, and motorists are being advised to allow additional time for their journeys and to keep up to date with the latest traffic and travel information via Traffic Wales." Given that the fire took place in the westbound tunnel it is safely assumed the road will reopen in the eastbound direction first. A major meeting was taking place this evening between all the relevant parties - including the Welsh Government, police and fire service. That eastbound reopening could take place in the coming hours or potentially a day or two but it is understood that when it comes to the westbound lanes this will be significantly longer. It is without doubt that it will impact this weekend at a minimum - something holidaymakers will need to be aware of. The final timescale will depend on inspections now taking place. But there are unconfirmed reports of a closure westbound for several weeks - impacting the busy summer period. In this situation it is likely a contraflow will be set up - with single lanes in each direction in the eastbound tunnel. That in itself will cause major traffic issues this summer and also be vulnerable to any incidents causing considerable chaos. As well as the significant impact to locals it would be a potential blow to tourism over the key summer holidays.
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Crew called to tackle Bersham car fire incident
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the incident occurred on Bersham Road, Bersham this morning. One fire engine was called to the scene at 11.27am - with the incident involving a Vauxhall Astra. MORE NEWS: Firefighters used a hose reel jet, breathing apparatus and thermal imaging camera to extinguish the blaze - which was out by 12.06pm. The cause of the fire was deemed a mechanical fault - with no details available on the level of damage to the car involved. There were no reported injuries resulting from the incident.
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
GALLERY: Families flock to Broughton and Bretton Carnival
Broughton and Bretton Carnival took place on Saturday afternoon, on the field next to Broughton and Bretton Community Centre - which organised the event. As well as a host of stalls and live performances of dance and music, attendees were able to enjoy a range of fairground rides, games and more. Crowds at the carnival on Saturday afternoon (Image: Staff) Sarah Hemus from Saltney and two-year-old grandson Theo get to sit in a fire engine (Image: Staff) Daisy Davis, 12, with one-year-old Bonnie Bundy enjoying a fairground ride (Image: Staff) The event was even visited by a North Wales Fire and Rescue Service engine, to the delight of children who were able to sit in the vehicle and have a look at its firefighting equipment. Organisers were delighted to see the sun shining for the event, after a weather warning caused concern over potential stormy weather. Ellen Jones, of Broughton and Bretton Community Centre, explained the carnival was restarted in 2011 after a gap of around 20 years. Two-year-old Sofia-Grace Griffith and four-year-old Finley Griffith on a fairground ride (Image: Staff) Two-year-old Miles Williams and six-year-old Lolly Williams at the carnival (Image: Staff) Beccy Dakeyne and two-year-old Alfie Derbyshire from Ewloe (Image: Staff) Speaking at the event on Saturday, she said: "I'm so pleased - especially with the weather. "It's had a great turnout and we have had a fantastic raffle with most of the prizes donated by local businesses. "We are a charity and the support we get from the community is very important. "The atmosphere's been absolutely great." Deb Sima, also of the Broughton and Bretton Community Centre, said: "It's gone really well. "We did have to think about the weather warning, but I'm very pleased we did go ahead. "The locals are really supportive of this event." MORE NEWS Steve Croll, from Queensferry, on a ride with two-year-old son Hugo (Image: Staff) Dancers from Gejje School of Dance Chester, founded by Manasa Ravish (Image: Staff) Broughton and Bretton Community Centre committee members and organisers of the carnival from left: Lyn Wood, Mary John, Deb Sima and Ellen Jones (Image: Staff) Harry Griffith, who lives on the Wirral and works at Airbus, brought his children, four-year-old Finley and two-year-old Sofia-Grace, to enjoy the carnival. He said: "It's great - it's something for the community and it's about bringing people together. "The children are really enjoying themselves." Organisers have confirmed that while the carnival ran until 4pm on Saturday, the fairground will still be at the site until Sunday.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Four fire engines called to battle two house blazes
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Fire crews were called to two separate house blazes yesterday (Monday). Both had four engines at the scene tackling the fires at their height. Two crews from Holywell and Flint were called to a fire in a house in the Pen-y-Maes area of Holywell, Flintshire, shortly after 8.30pm. Two more engines from Deeside were called in to help later. A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said it caused 70% fire damage to the living room and 100% smoke damage to the rest of the property. The cause was given as accidental and nobody was hurt in the incident. Earlier in the day two engines from Denbigh and Abergele were sent to a fire at a house in Bodfari, Denbighshire, at 1.47pm. Engines from Deeside and Flint were sent later to assist. A fire service spokesperson said it caused 100% fire damage to the roof with extensive smoke and water damage to the rest of the property. The blaze also affected to neighbouring properties. The cause was given as accidental and their were no reports of anybody being injured. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
