A major vehicle fire inside the Conwy Tunnel on the A55 in North Wales has sparked a significant emergency response and caused widespread disruption across the region on June 19, 2025. The incident, which escalated into a declared major incident by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, led to the closure of the tunnel in both directions, leaving motorists stranded and traffic snarled for miles.
The fire was first reported at 13:48, with emergency services arriving shortly before 3:10 pm. A crane vehicle is understood to have burst into flames within the tunnel, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and filling the area with acrid fumes. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as they passed the burning vehicle or emerged from the tunnel.
Eira D'Arcy, who was traveling to Anglesey, recalled the terrifying moment she passed the smoking vehicle on the westbound carriageway. "The tunnel was still open when we came through," she said. "It was scary as I thought it may explode and wanted to get out of the tunnel." Another driver, Marcus Copeland, described seeing white smoke initially, which soon turned into thick black smoke. "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," he told North Wales Live. Copeland also reported hearing audio messages inside the tunnel instructing people to leave their vehicles and walk out.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire was under control by mid-afternoon but warned that the Conwy Tunnel would remain closed for a significant period due to safety assessments and detailed inspections. "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," a spokesperson said. The fire service also urged residents living nearby to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution against smoke inhalation.
The closure has caused severe traffic congestion on the A55 and surrounding roads. The westbound carriageway is closed from Junction 19 (A470 Conway Road – Black Cat / Glan Conwy / Llandudno Junction) to Junction 17 (A547 Conwy Morfa), with congestion stretching back to Junction 20 near Colwyn Bay. Eastbound traffic is shut between Junctions 15 and 19, and alternative routes have become heavily congested as drivers seek to avoid the tunnel. The northbound A483 towards Chester is also experiencing heavy traffic due to diversions.
Arriva Buses Wales confirmed that all five of its services are terminating at Dwygyfylchi and will not serve Deganwy, Conwy, or Llandudno until further notice. Police have advised motorists to avoid the area and use strategic diversion routes, while Traffic Wales continues to provide updates and travel information.
Social media footage captured plumes of smoke rising from the tunnel, and several motorists were seen turning around on the A55 to exit the area. One local resident offered assistance to stranded motorists, reflecting the community's concern amid the chaos. Emergency services remain on the scene, coordinating the response and working to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible.
The incident has also affected nearby villages, including Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llanrwst, and Betws-y-Coed, where roads are extremely busy. Authorities are urging drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and to stay informed via official channels.
North Wales Police emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating: "Please note that the Conwy Tunnel is completely closed in both directions due to a vehicle fire inside the westbound tunnel. We are asking everyone who are in their vehicles near to the scene to stay in their vehicles due to heavy smoke in the area. The emergency services are in attendance. We will update you with further information as soon as we can."
The scale of the incident and the resulting disruption highlight the critical importance of the A55 as a major transport artery in North Wales. The Conwy Tunnel is a vital link for commuters, holidaymakers, and freight traffic, and its prolonged closure will undoubtedly have ripple effects across the region's economy and daily life.
As investigations continue and safety inspections are conducted, authorities remain focused on managing the incident safely and minimizing environmental impact. Motorists are advised to heed warnings, avoid the area if possible, and follow updates from Traffic Wales and emergency services.
