Latest from North Wales Live
North Wales Live
6 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.
North Wales Live
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Rules for drivers caught up in tunnel fires and how to get out safely
Road managers in Wales have safety protocols in place for dealing with emergencies in tunnels such as the one seen in North Wales today (Thursday, June 19). These are designed not just to safeguard motorists but also to help the emergency services. Motorists caught out by today's blaze described the feeling of wanting to 'get out' as quickly as possible. The incident, which began at around 2pm, saw fire crews enter the tunnel as a 'major incident' was declared. Multi-agency training exercises are periodically carried out in Wales' tunnels to ensure rescue teams can evacuate people safely during incidents. One such exercise was carried out during a 15-day part closure of Conwy Tunnel in late 2021. This saw the tunnels' ventilation fans and monitoring systems replaced, having been last upgraded in 2015. The fans are designed to blow away heat and smoke from a fire, protecting queuing traffic behind and giving people time to evacuate the tunnel. Advice for drivers caught up in incidents has also been issued by Traffic Wales. The most obvious one is to stop and avoid entering a tunnel if you see smoke or fire coming from it. In this sutuation, drivers should pull over to the left and turn on their hazard lights. Join the North Wales Live But what if you're already in a tunnel when fire breaks out? In this case, the following instructions apply. Fire behind If you spot smoke or fire behind you, keep driving out of the tunnel and don't turn back. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Fire ahead If there's smoke or fire ahead once you're in the tunnel, you'll need to evacuate. Pull over to the left, turn off the engine, and leave your vehicle. Leave the key in the vehicle so that recovery teams can move it if necessary. Follow the signs in the tunnel to walk out "as quickly as possible" towards the entrance you used. Wait at the marked evacuation spot outside for help. If needed, call for help using the SOS phones at the evacuation spot outside the tunnel. Emergency phones are located every 100 metres in the tunnel. Once outside, listen out for tannoy announcements from the tunnel operator. Vehicle on fire If it's your vehicle that's on fire, continue driving out of the tunnel if you can. If you can't, stop on the left, turn off the engine, and get out. Follow the evacuation signs to exit the tunnel and wait outside. If needed, fire extinguishers are kept beside emergency panels in the tunnels. Use the SOS phones outside and follow instructions from the tunnel operator.
North Wales Live
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
What we know so far about terrifying A55 Conwy Tunnel fire and road chaos
Motorists watched on in horror this afternoon as thick smoke billowed from the Conwy Tunnel in the lead up to a major incident being declared. Eerie electronic messages warning of an 'emergency' sent shivers across North Wales amid fears people may be trapped inside. The huge blaze led to the closure of the A55 in both directions at Conwy. Penmaenbach Tunnel was also closed, throwing much of northwest Wales into gridlock. It is understood a crane vehicle burst into flames inside the tunnel. Urging people to stay away, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service tasked crews to tackle the incident. It warned the tunnel would be 'closed for some time'. According to traffic websites, the fire broke out shortly after 2pm today (Thursday, June 19). First to report it was Traffic Wales, which simply stated: 'Warning - Vehicle fire. Emergency services are on scene.' Photos and videos soon emerged on social media showing black smoke spewing from the tunnel. One witness described hearing audio messages in the tunnel telling people to 'leave their vehicles and walk out'. Online, a woman captured the general sentiment when saying: 'Sending prayers to anyone currently there....I hope everyone including all 999 responders come home safely tonight.' A motorist described driving past the smoking vehicle on the westbound carriageway. 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.' With the A55 closed in both directions, tailbacks of more than half an hour quickly built up on the westbound carriageway towards Old Colwyn. 'Severe delays' of 18 minutes were also reported on the westbound A55 at junction 10. Most traffic was forced to take a 35-mile diversion along the A470 and A5 via Betws-y-Coed. Roadside sensors show this route is currently snarled up, as follows. Bethesda: Severe delays of 10 minutes Capel Curig: Severe delays of 16 minutes Betws-y-Coed: Severe delays of 11 minutes on the eastbound A5 Holyhead Road between A5 and Station Road. Betws-y-Coed: Delays of five minutes on the southbound A470. Llanrwst: Severe delays of 13 minutes Severe delays of 13 minutes on the southbound A470. The transport shock was felt as far away as the A55 at Chester and the A483 to Wrexham. Here, National Highways North-West warned of up to one-hour delays because the A483 was being used as 'long distance diversion route' via the A5. Roads were expected to be busy as a heatwave builds over the UK and people head to beaches. Traffic sensors suggested the A483 delays were not as severe as forecast. Schools in Conwy warned that buses would be late today due to the incident. Along them was Ysgol y Creuddyn in Penrhyn Bay, which thanked parents for their patience and apologised for the inconvenience. Adding to the transport misery was an announcement by Transport for Wales that train services were not running between Llandudno and Llandudno Junction due to a points failure. 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 its safe to do so.' 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. Marcus Copeland was returning from Anglesey when he saw white smoke coming from the tunnel, followed by 'lots of thick black smoke'. He said: "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 hear 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.' In an update at 5.30pm, the fire service said: "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 reopened. "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."
North Wales Live
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
'I thought it might explode' - driver's terror as huge fire breaks out in A55 tunnel
A woman has spoken of the terrifying moment she passed a vehicle fire in the Conwy Tunnel which led to a major incident being declared. The huge blaze has led to the closure of the A55 in both directions at the tunnels under the Afon Conwy. This has caused massive tailbacks on the A55 and impacted other roads in the area as drivers look for alternative routes. You can get all the latest updates on this incident here. It is understood a crane vehicle burst into flames inside the tunnel. One person described going past the smoking vehicle on the westbound carriageway. 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 spoke about emerging from the tunnel and seeing smoke billowing into the sky. 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." North Wales Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident just before 4pm on Thursday. A spokesperson said: "This has now been declared a major incident. We're working with multi-agency partners to control the fire, protect the environment and re-open the tunnel as soon as its safe to do so.
North Wales Live
10 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- North Wales Live
Cooling cushions, neck fans and other genius ways to keep cool in a heatwave
Potentially the hottest day of the year, so far, has arrived and the weather has become an even more 'hot' topic than usual with the British public. Some people love it, some people moan about it, but usually everyone finds themselves looking for ways to cool down at some point. There are a number of clever products and helpful suggestions that can help lower the body temperature when the temperature hits the highest of highs, and some of them are obvious and some of them may be more obscure. One of the most wonderful ways to cool down that the children (of all ages, including adults) will love is surely the good old paddling pool - but the designs have improved greatly over the years so less likely to be ripped or damaged by sharp nails or over-excited dogs. For more garden and home content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. Jump in the pool Argos is offering a heavy-duty, rigid paddling pool adorned by a pretty under the sea design that has an extra bonus - no need to break into a sweat trying to inflate it as this pool doesn't need it. The Bestway 6 foot Odyssey Pool costs £18 and that can also come down in price if buyers use the code 2 for £30, which unlocks the discount 'buy 2 selected Toys and Games for £30. Offer valid until 27 July 2025'. However, signing up to TopCashback website as a new member can unlock a free £15 sign-up bonus. Find out more about the pool and alternatives from other retailers here. Pick up an ice pack Ice packs might be an option to explore and the Comfytemp Large Gel Ice Pack, although sold as a way of relieving an injury, is a larger size and is pack of two, so you can cool two areas of your body at once, plus they're reusable and can be used as heat pads too. Currently selling on Amazon for £14.99. There are a number of cheaper alternatives to the Comfytemp Large Gel Ice Pack available from Amazon, such as the TANNESS 2-Pack Gel Cooling Mat and Cool Pillow Cushion, retailing currently for £8.99. Fantastic fans Of course there are standing fans and desk fans that can help you stay cool indoors from a desk fan to a standing fan, with the Dyson Hot & Cool Jet Focus maybe a good option for the higher price tag as it can be used as a heater too. Currently reduced from £399.99 to £290.00 via Amazon. But on the go there are a number of options to consider, and many of them can be delivered by tomorrow if ordered quickly. Small portable fans include the Pagezol Handheld Fan that has a super cute cat design and can stand on a desk too, but it needs charging first, or the battery operated. Arguably one product is becoming more popular as it doesn't need to be held - you wear it! The STAYCOOL mini portable USB rechargeable neck fan is selling fast on Amazon for £23.94, or there's a cheaper alternative from Argos retailing at £15 called Menkind BeCool Bladeless Neck Fan Black. Spray away A clever but simple combination of air and water make this Water Mist Spray fan a cheaper alternative currently discounted on Amazon to £6.49, but try not to soak the person next to you on the bus, train, or street - unless they are over-heating too and want it. Tried and tested suggestions Alternatives to this array of products are some suggestions passed between people for years, from the simple act of finding shade and having a cold shower, to running a tea towel under cold water or packing it with ice and then placing on the back of your neck as tennis players do between games, and keeping curtains closed so the sun doesn't stream in - and they are all free. A blanket (yes, really) Night time can be a bad time for feeling too hot but, maybe surprisingly, a blanket can help according to customer reviews, and can also help relieve menopause hot flush symptoms too. Called the Silentnight Restore Cooling Lightweight Blanket it could be a product family members fight over in the heat, and costs £44.99. Silentnight says the blanket, part of a range of cooling bedding, is made with innovative cool sensation fabric for instant cooling comfort and breathable jersey cotton, making it perfect for those who suffer with menopausal night sweats and hot flushes, for a cool and comfortable nights' sleep.
