**Devastating Fire in Conwy Tunnel Leaves Extensive Damage and Prompts Travel Disruptions**
In the wake of a dramatic lorry fire in the Conwy Tunnel this week, new images have revealed just how severe the incident’s consequences were for the vital A55 artery between Conwy and Llandudno Junction. The photographs, issued by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS), highlight both the charred remains of the crane lorry involved and the extensive surface damage inflicted upon the tunnel’s infrastructure.
Thursday’s blaze erupted shortly before 2pm, rapidly engulfing the vehicle and bringing traffic to a halt in both directions. With thousands of motorists stranded, temperatures soared inside vehicles as emergency services attempted to bring the chaos under control. For many, it turned an ordinary day of travel into an ordeal that stretched for hours.
The Welsh Government has sounded a note of caution to drivers in the region, stating that further closures of the Conwy Tunnel may be unavoidable over the coming weeks as full structural assessments and repairs are carried out. This announcement will come as a frustration to regular A55 users, but authorities stress that safety must take precedence.
According to officials, the fire service was notified at 1.48pm and promptly deployed the joint Operational Tactical Plan, designed in partnership with other local agencies to handle emergencies of this nature. By just before 3pm, NWFRS escalated the situation to a major incident. In total, the operation involved ten fire engines, four specialist appliances, a welfare unit, and eight senior officers—an unprecedented mobilisation for the region in recent months.
The firefighting teams battled “intense heat and challenging conditions” within the tunnel. Thanks to their efforts, the flames were extinguished by 4.20pm, approximately two hours and twenty minutes after the initial call. Remarkably, there were no injuries reported, underscoring the professionalism and preparedness of the response teams.
NWFRS crews, joined by structural engineers and agents responsible for the North and Mid Wales Trunk Roads, remained on site well into the evening. Their focus: to conduct urgent safety checks and begin the early stages of recovery. These actions paved the way for the eastbound tunnel to reopen under a contraflow system in the early hours of Friday, restoring a measure of normality to A55 users.
Mike Plant, the NWFRS’s head of planning, performance and transformation, spoke of his pride in the way emergency teams collaborated under pressure. He hailed their composure and determination, noting that recent joint training exercises among emergency and transport agencies had directly informed Thursday’s response. “This incident showcased the value of thorough training and partnership,” he commented, adding that the coordinated action had prevented an even greater disaster.
Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, echoed these sentiments in a statement issued on Friday. He thanked the public for their understanding during the disruption, recognising the “very real impact significant events like these have on families, businesses and communities right across Wales.” Mr Skates further explained that tunnel closures, though inconvenient, were absolutely necessary for ensuring safety in the aftermath of such a fire.
Looking ahead, Mr Skates revealed that repair works are being urgently planned, with teams working “relentlessly” to assess the full extent of the damage. He indicated he would visit the tunnel site over the weekend, but cautioned that the restoration process would require time. Additional closures or diversions, he warned, may need to be implemented for permanent repairs, advising motorists to remain prepared and to carry snacks and water in case of delays.
For many, this incident has laid bare the importance of both robust infrastructure and well-rehearsed emergency plans. While traffic is moving once more, authorities urge patience as Wales’ vital transport link undergoes recovery and ensures its resilience for the future. Further updates on the status of the Conwy Tunnel are expected to follow as work progresses.