A woman has been seriously injured after a collision involving a van in Mold town centre, North Wales, prompting a rapid multi-agency response on Friday morning. The incident, which occurred just before midday, led to significant disruption as emergency services rushed to the scene and several streets were cordoned off for investigation.
North Wales Police confirmed that the collision happened outside the Wetherspoons public house on High Street, Mold, involving a white Volkswagen Crafter van. The pedestrian, whose identity has not been released, sustained severe injuries and required immediate medical attention. An air ambulance was promptly deployed, and the woman was airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, a major trauma centre equipped to handle critical cases.
In an official statement, a police spokesperson informed the public, “The woman was airlifted to hospital in Stoke. The driver of the van has been arrested and remains in police custody.” The nature of the injuries and the specifics of the arrest have not been detailed as investigations remain ongoing.
The High Street and surrounding roads, including Wrexham Street, New Street, and Chester Street, were quickly closed off to facilitate the emergency response and ensure the safety of the public. Police officers, paramedics, and air ambulance crews worked together to manage the aftermath of the incident, while accident investigators began their work at the scene.
Local businesses have already felt the impact of the incident. The popular Deadwood Smokehouse restaurant announced through social media that it would be closed for the evening. In a statement on their Facebook page, the owners cited logistical issues caused by the road closures: “Due to the accident in Mold town centre today, we have had to make the decision to close the restaurant this evening. With the roads being closed our supplier was unable to make their delivery and we are unsure as to what time they will re-open. Enjoy the sun this evening and we’ll be back open tomorrow!”
Witnesses to the scene reported seeing a heavy emergency service presence, with police cordons and activity as investigations got underway. The cordons are expected to remain in place for several hours, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes as the investigation continues. Police have urged anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant dash cam footage from the area, around 11:45am, to come forward. Individuals can provide information via the North Wales Police website or by phoning 101, quoting the reference number C062389.
This incident has understandably caused concern among Mold residents, given the busy nature of the High Street during the late morning period. Local authorities have stated they will work swiftly to establish the circumstances that led to the collision, and are appealing for community assistance in piecing together the events leading up to it.
Events such as these underscore ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in town centres, especially in areas with heavy vehicle and foot traffic. Calls for improved safety measures and vehicle management in high streets are again likely to surface as the community processes the aftermath of the crash.
While the investigation is still in its early stages, questions are expected to be raised about traffic management and pedestrian safety in Mold’s town centre. Updates on the woman’s condition and details surrounding the incident will be provided by North Wales Police as soon as they become available. For now, thoughts remain with the injured pedestrian, her family, and all those affected by the events on a typically bustling Mold High Street.