A major vehicle fire inside the Conwy Tunnel on the A55 motorway in North Wales has sparked a multi-agency emergency response, leading to a full closure of the tunnel in both directions and causing widespread traffic chaos across the region.
The incident, which began at approximately 1:48 pm on Thursday, June 19, 2025, involved a crane lorry that caught fire while passing through the tunnel. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) swiftly declared the situation a major incident by 3:42 pm as fire crews, supported by specialist appliances, worked to bring the blaze under control.
According to NWFRS, ten fire engines and four specialist appliances were dispatched to the scene shortly before 2 pm, responding to the rapidly escalating fire. The fire service confirmed there were no fatalities, a relief amid the tense and dangerous situation inside the tunnel. However, the fire produced thick, acrid black smoke that billowed out of the tunnel, prompting officials to advise residents living nearby to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution.
The fire caused severe disruption to one of Wales’ busiest roads, with approximately 40,000 vehicles passing through the Conwy Tunnel daily. Both the westbound and eastbound carriageways of the A55 were closed, with closures stretching from Junction 15 near Llanfairfechan to Junction 19 at Glan Conwy, and from Junction 17 at Conwy Morfa to Junction 19. This led to significant traffic congestion not only on the A55 but also on surrounding roads, including Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llanrwst, Betws-y-Coed, and even extending to villages nearby.
Traffic Wales and local authorities implemented diversion routes, but motorists faced heavy delays. The A483 northbound between Wrexham and Chester experienced hour-long delays as drivers sought alternative routes to bypass the tunnel closure. Arriva Buses Wales announced the termination of all five of its services at Dwygyfylchi, ceasing service to Deganwy, Conwy, and Llandudno until further notice.
Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the unfolding drama. Deborah Owen-Smith and her husband Andrew were traveling from Llandudno to Caernarfon when they encountered the incident. Ms. Owen-Smith recalled seeing white smoke and flames beneath the crane lorry’s engine, describing the experience as "really scary." She credited the crane driver with saving lives, stating, "He told everyone the vehicle was on fire and to leave." Police arrived swiftly, with cars passing in the opposite direction within minutes to assist.
Another witness, 73-year-old Eira D'Arcy, was caught behind the stationary lorry and described driving through heavy white smoke, fearing a possible explosion. She observed the driver away from the vehicle, presumably contacting emergency services, and felt relieved to pass safely through the tunnel.
Marcus Copeland, parked just 50 yards from the tunnel, described the smoke as initially white but quickly turning into thick, acrid black smoke that severely reduced visibility. He recounted hearing loudspeaker announcements instructing motorists to abandon their vehicles and evacuate on foot—a "quite scary" moment for those trapped. Police urged drivers near the scene to remain in their vehicles due to the smoke's density, while emergency services coordinated the evacuation and firefighting efforts.
Fire crews remained on site until shortly before 8 pm, after which the fire was declared under control. However, the Conwy Tunnel remains closed indefinitely as detailed safety assessments and inspections are necessary to evaluate structural damage before reopening. The fire is believed to have caused significant cable damage inside the tunnel, further complicating repair efforts.
Authorities have warned that the closure will cause "significant disruption for the next few days," urging motorists to allow extra travel time and stay updated via Traffic Wales. Local residents have shown community spirit, offering assistance and shelter to stranded motorists who had to abandon their vehicles during the incident.
The incident occurred amid a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 27°C near the tunnel and 31°C in London, which some speculate may have influenced the fire's intensity. Emergency services continue to work closely with environmental agencies to manage the incident's impact and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
North Wales Police and NWFRS have expressed gratitude for public patience and cooperation during this challenging event. As investigations and repairs progress, the focus remains on safely reopening this vital transport link and minimizing ongoing disruption.
