**Man Flown to Hospital After Major Collision in Gwynedd**
A man sustained severe injuries after a serious crash on the A497 near Criccieth, North Wales, which resulted in an emergency airlift to hospital. The incident, involving a single vehicle, took place on Thursday evening, prompting an immediate response from local emergency services.
Shortly after 9pm on 9 May, North Wales Police received reports of a Volvo C30 that had left the road, leading to a major mobilisation of resources. Upon arriving at the scene, police and ambulance teams discovered two individuals in the vehicle: a male driver and a female passenger.
The driver, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, suffered significant injuries in the collision. He was initially transported to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor for urgent treatment. Owing to the seriousness of his injuries, medical staff arranged for him to be airlifted to a specialist hospital in Stoke to receive further care. The Wales Air Ambulance played a critical role in ensuring the patient reached the facility as quickly as possible—a testament to the crucial support provided by air ambulance services, particularly in rural areas.
The female passenger travelling alongside him was also taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd. According to officers, her injuries were considered minor at the time of admission, allowing her to receive care locally. Details regarding her current condition were not immediately available.
Police have now launched a formal investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision. Officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who possesses dash cam footage from the route at the relevant time to come forward. Their testimonies could prove crucial in determining exactly what happened in the moments before the vehicle left the road. Members of the public with information are asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit via the North Wales Police website or by calling 101, quoting reference 25000381857.
Crashes on the A497 have historically raised concerns about road safety in the area, especially regarding speed limits and visibility during night-time driving. Local residents often express apprehension about the condition of rural Welsh routes, which can be hazardous in poor weather or low light. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by motorists on such roads.
This latest collision also highlights the ongoing work of emergency services and the importance of swift response in life-threatening situations. The logistical challenge of accessing rural crash sites underscores the invaluable role of air ambulance teams, whose rapid intervention can often make a critical difference in patient outcomes.
Witness appeals are a routine but vital part of post-collision investigations; gathering independent accounts and camera footage provides investigators with a clearer picture of the sequence of events, helping to prevent future tragedies. North Wales Police continue to encourage all road users to exercise caution and remain vigilant, particularly on lesser-travelled rural roads.
As the inquiry continues, local authorities will be evaluating whether further safety measures might be needed on the stretch of the A497 in question. In the meantime, support is available for those affected by road traffic collisions, and the wider community is urged to assist the police in any way they can to aid the ongoing investigation.