**Major Disruption as Fierce Car Fire Forces Closure of A470**
A dramatic car fire on the A470 led to significant disruption for motorists over the weekend, with part of the major Welsh road temporarily closed while emergency services brought the blaze under control. The incident, which happened on Saturday afternoon, prompted swift action from fire crews and police, and has since raised questions about road safety and emergency preparedness on Wales’ arterial routes.
The car, a Mercedes Benz, caught fire at approximately 4.26pm in the vicinity of Cilfynydd, affecting the southbound stretch between Abercynon and Pontypridd. Eyewitness photographs circulated on social media and showed towering flames engulfing the vehicle, sending plumes of smoke across the motorway and causing concern among passing drivers.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded quickly, dispatching two fire engines to the scene. Members of the public also reported seeing an ambulance as a precautionary presence. However, South Wales Police later confirmed that no one was injured during the incident—a fortunate outcome given the intensity of the blaze.
As emergency personnel worked to extinguish the fire, traffic ground to a halt. Long queues began to form, with congestion stretching for several miles behind the affected area. Many drivers and passengers were forced to wait in their vehicles for an extended period as the emergency response unfolded, highlighting the knock-on effects that such incidents can have on local travel.
By 4.31pm, police officers were on site to assist with traffic management and to ensure the safety of both the public and the firefighters attempting to tackle the flames. In a statement, South Wales Police explained that it was necessary to close the carriageway “for a short period of time” to protect those involved in fighting the fire. Welsh Assembly Traffic Officers also aided in managing the situation and controlling the build-up of vehicles.
Responding to the concerns of those caught in the traffic jam, police officials publicly thanked drivers for their patience and cooperation during the unexpected disruption. The disabled, fire-damaged car was swiftly removed from the carriageway after the fire was put out, with the road fully reopening by early evening. The quick restoration of traffic flow underscored the efficient coordination between emergency services and traffic officers.
Despite the severity of the incident, no casualties were reported and the professional response prevented the fire from spreading further or affecting other vehicles. The Fire Service has not released information regarding the cause of the ignition, though investigations into the circumstances are expected to follow.
Incidents of this nature are a timely reminder of the unpredictability that motorists can encounter on Wales’ busiest routes. The A470, linking Cardiff with north Wales, sees thousands of vehicles each day, and any closure can have far-reaching implications for commuters and local communities alike.
With the road now cleared and no lasting injuries reported, attention will likely focus on measures to prevent similar incidents and to ensure continued rapid response from emergency services. For now, authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant and to promptly report any signs of mechanical difficulties or hazards while travelling, in order to keep all road users safe and minimise disruption.
In the wake of the fire, local commuters and residents are being encouraged to follow updates from South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service via social media for the latest guidance and advice on travelling safely throughout the region.