Bangor, Gwynedd — A tragic accident unfolded on Garth Hill in Bangor on Monday, September 29, 2025, as an elderly woman lost her life after being struck by a Tesco delivery van. The incident, which occurred shortly after midday, has sent ripples of shock and sorrow through the local community, with emergency services rushing to the scene but ultimately unable to save the pedestrian.
According to North Wales Police, the force was alerted to the collision by the Welsh Ambulance Service just after midday. Emergency responders, including a Wales Air Ambulance from Caernarfon, promptly attended the scene, landing near the promenade in a bid to provide urgent medical assistance. Despite their best efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene, a fact confirmed by multiple news outlets including North Wales Live and the Liverpool Echo.
The identity of the woman has not been released publicly, but authorities confirmed that her next of kin have been informed of the heartbreaking news. The coroner has also been notified, as is standard procedure in such fatal incidents.
The driver of the Tesco delivery van, a 33-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. As of Monday evening, he remained in police custody, according to statements from North Wales Police and corroborated by Daily Post Wales. The arrest underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident, though further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision have not yet been made public.
In the immediate aftermath, a section of Garth Road was cordoned off to allow officers from the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit to carry out their initial enquiries. The road closure, which lasted for several hours, disrupted local traffic and daily routines but was deemed necessary to preserve the scene for a thorough investigation. By late afternoon, police confirmed that the road had reopened, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Sergeant 3162 Evans of the Roads Crime Unit expressed condolences on behalf of the force, stating, “Our thoughts remain with the woman’s family and friends at this difficult time.” His words, echoed in statements to the press and published by Wales Online, reflect the sense of loss felt not only by the victim’s loved ones but also by the wider Bangor community.
The North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit has now issued a public appeal for witnesses. Officers are particularly eager to speak with anyone who may have seen the collision itself or observed the pedestrian or the Tesco van in the moments leading up to the incident. “We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the pedestrian or the vehicle in the moments leading up to the incident to contact us as soon as possible,” Sergeant Evans urged, as reported by several regional news sources.
In addition to eyewitness accounts, police are seeking dashcam or CCTV footage that could shed further light on the events of that afternoon. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact North Wales Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference number C151796. The appeal for footage and testimony is a crucial step, as investigators work to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine whether any criminal liability may be involved.
The presence of the Wales Air Ambulance highlights the gravity of the situation. The helicopter, dispatched from Caernarfon, landed near Bangor’s promenade, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which emergency services responded. Alongside the air ambulance, other services including the Welsh Ambulance Service and local police units converged on Garth Hill, but the outcome was tragically inevitable.
For the residents of Bangor, the incident is a stark reminder of the risks that pedestrians face, even in familiar surroundings. Garth Hill, a well-traveled area, was transformed in an instant from a routine thoroughfare to the scene of a fatal collision. While the full circumstances remain under investigation, the event has prompted renewed calls for road safety awareness and vigilance among both drivers and pedestrians.
As the investigation continues, the arrested driver’s status remains a focal point. North Wales Police have confirmed that the 33-year-old man is being held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving—a charge that, if substantiated, carries significant legal consequences. The police have not released details regarding any potential contributing factors, such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure, pending the outcome of their forensic enquiries.
Community members have expressed their condolences and support for the victim’s family, with many taking to social media and local forums to share their shock and sadness. The incident has also prompted discussions about the safety of delivery vehicles, which have become an increasingly common sight on UK roads as online shopping continues to grow. While there is no suggestion at this stage that Tesco or its delivery operations were at fault, the company is likely to cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation.
For those seeking updates, North Wales Police and local news outlets are providing regular briefings as new information emerges. The force has reiterated its commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the facts of the case.
Anyone who may have been in the area around Garth Hill at the time of the collision is urged to come forward, no matter how minor their observations may seem. As Sergeant Evans noted, even seemingly insignificant details can prove vital in reconstructing the moments before and after the crash.
As Bangor comes to terms with this loss, the hope is that answers will soon be forthcoming for the victim’s family and the wider community. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety for all.
The investigation is ongoing, with police appealing for information and support from the public. For now, the community mourns the loss of a life cut short in sudden and devastating circumstances, and authorities continue their search for clarity and accountability.
