Fatal A55 Crash Near Conwy Sparks Major Emergency Response

North Wales was gripped by a series of major road incidents on January 29, 2026, as a tragic fatal crash on the A55 near Conwy left one woman dead and three others seriously injured, while separate multi-vehicle collisions and emergency responses caused widespread disruption across the region. The day’s events underscored the fragility of safety on busy expressways and the immense pressure placed on emergency services during such crises.

According to BBC News, the most serious incident unfolded just before noon at junction 17 westbound in Conwy Morfa, under the A547 overpass. North Wales Police confirmed that a car carrying four people collided with a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), resulting in the death of a woman in her 40s. Despite the rapid arrival of emergency crews, including three Wales Air Ambulance helicopters, four ambulances, two high acuity response units, and four off-duty paramedics, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other occupants of the car were airlifted to hospitals in Stoke and Aintree with severe injuries, while a third was transported to Aintree by ambulance.

The driver of the HGV was unharmed and is currently assisting police with their inquiries as investigations continue. Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan of North Wales Police expressed his sorrow, stating, “I share my deepest condolences with the woman’s family at this incredibly difficult time, and my thoughts are with all the others involved in this collision.” He also urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant dash-cam footage to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy.

The crash triggered a full closure of the A55 in both directions between the Penmaenmawr Tunnel and Conwy Tunnel, as reported by North Wales Live. The A547 Bangor Road above the junction was also sealed off to allow helicopters to land and emergency teams to access the scene. The closures led to significant congestion, with surrounding routes like Llandudno Junction and Colwyn Bay quickly becoming gridlocked as drivers sought alternative routes. The Welsh Government’s Transport Minister publicly thanked motorists for their patience, acknowledging the frustration and disruption caused by the extended closures and diversions.

By the evening, the westbound carriageway of the A55 had partially reopened, with a single lane of traffic permitted to flow from the Conwy Tunnel, exiting at junction 17 Conwy Morfa off slip and rejoining at the on slip. However, the aftermath was still being felt, with one lane remaining closed and traffic officers managing a broken-down vehicle within the restricted area. The A547 Bangor Road continued to experience closures and delays to facilitate ongoing investigations and recovery operations.

Emergency responders worked tirelessly at the scene. The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed, “Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in three Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopters. Three patients were transferred to hospital for further treatment.” Firefighters also attended, providing crucial support in managing the wreckage and ensuring the safety of those involved and passing motorists.

Local officials and politicians echoed the sentiments of the emergency services, urging patience and understanding from the public. Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy, remarked, “All relevant emergency services and external agencies are present and currently working hard during some extremely difficult circumstances. If drivers could please just have some patience and understanding, during what is such a difficult time for all involved and look out for updates from North Wales Police. My thoughts and prayers are with those involved with this tragic accident. My grateful thanks go to all the rescue services.”

As police investigations continued into the evening, appeals for witnesses remained active. North Wales Police encouraged anyone with information or dash-cam footage to contact officers, referencing incident number O014887. The Serious Collision Investigation Unit was visible at the scene, meticulously gathering evidence to determine the precise causes and contributing factors of the crash.

Yet, the day’s turmoil was not limited to the Conwy Tunnel tragedy. Later that afternoon, a five-vehicle collision occurred on the A55 eastbound near junction 34 at Ewloe Loop. North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and the Welsh Ambulance Service responded promptly to the scene, closing the road for several hours as they dealt with the aftermath. According to police statements reported by The Leader, “In total, five vehicles were involved and several occupants of those vehicles were injured, including one person who was transported to hospital in Stoke.” The eastbound carriageway was reopened by 8:16 PM, but not before significant queueing traffic and delays had built up due to the recovery operations.

Elsewhere in the region, emergency services were stretched thin by additional incidents. At Broughton Shopping Park in Flintshire, a vehicle-pedestrian collision was reported just after 11:20 AM. The Welsh Ambulance Service dispatched a rapid response vehicle and an emergency ambulance, ultimately transporting one person to hospital for further treatment. Meanwhile, a separate crash in Penrhyn Bay prompted the closure of Llanrhos Road in both directions, with police, fire brigade, and ambulance services all present at the scene. These incidents, though less severe than the fatal Conwy crash, contributed to a day of extraordinary pressure on North Wales’s emergency infrastructure.

Throughout the day, updates from Traffic Wales and local authorities kept motorists informed about the evolving situation, with real-time information on closures, diversions, and congestion. Social media channels and live blogs provided a lifeline for those navigating the chaos, while local news outlets offered a steady stream of headlines, images, and official statements.

As the dust settled, the sense of shock and sadness across North Wales was palpable. The tragic loss of life, the serious injuries sustained, and the widespread disruption served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and danger that can arise on the roads, even on an ordinary weekday. The response from emergency teams—swift, coordinated, and compassionate—was widely praised, with many acknowledging the dedication and professionalism displayed under immense pressure.

For the families affected, the investigation continues, and the community’s support remains vital. As North Wales Police and other agencies work to understand exactly what happened on that fateful day, their appeals for information and patience reflect a broader hope: that lessons can be learned and future tragedies prevented, even as the region mourns and recovers.