People inside the tunnel feared it exploding
A tunnel fire is causing major disruption as it shut a busy road for the second day. Thick clouds of black smoke were seen billowing from the Conwy Tunnel on Thursday (June 19) after a blaze erupted inside, closing the A55 in both directions.
Fire crews declared the blaze a “major incident” as they were called to the scene yesterday afternoon. Pictures from the scene show black smoke coming from the tunnel.
One picture taken inside the Conwy Tunnel appears to show a crane vehicle stopped inside the tunnel with smoke coming from it. Witnesses reported how “bad” the incident was as there was “acrid black smoke everywhere.”
Marcus Copeland told NorthWalesLive: “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.”
Others thought the blaze could have caused an “explosion.” 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.”
One person told the A55 Traffic, Incidents, Information Facebook group: “My car was one of two trapped in the tunnel near the crane. The police kindly took the crane driver and the young couple whose car was in front of mine to a nearby McDonald’s so they were safe and could get water. The police then brought me back to our van in Penmaenmawr.
“The crane driver was amazing and saved lives today by getting us all out of the tunnel. And there were a lovely couple who gave me water and made sure I was OK. Thank you to the police. You were very kind and could not have done more to ensure our safety.
“My car has been returned and although sooty and a bit smelly, it is ok. My thoughts are with everyone that was caught up in the resulting jam. I hope you all get home OK.”
The busy road was closed, causing severe delays in the area. Today the westbound carriageway remains shut for the second day.
A spokesperson for North Wales Police said in a statement this morning (Friday): “Conwy Tunnel Update. A contraflow system is now in place on the A55 eastbound carriageway of the Conwy Tunnel.
“The westbound carriageway of the tunnel remains closed. Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for their journey as delays are expected in the area.
“People are urged to check the Traffig Cymru Gogledd a Chanolbarth Traffic Wales North & Mid website and social media channels for the latest travel updates and information https://orlo.uk/Etc85.”
In the latest update from the fire service 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. Please close windows and doors if you live in the vicinity.”
Have you been affected by this? Let us know in the comments or email [email protected].
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