**Emergency Services Respond to Major Accident on A5 near Llangollen**
Emergency services rushed to the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the A5 in Denbighshire on Monday afternoon, resulting in the closure of a notorious stretch of road known locally as the Berwyn bends. The incident, which occurred between Llangollen and Glyndyfrdwy, has led to significant travel disruption and prompted urgent appeals from authorities for drivers to find alternative routes.
The crash was reported shortly after midday, with emergency calls received just after 12:30pm. Within minutes, police, ambulance crews and an air ambulance were dispatched due to the severity of the collision. The rapid response highlights the challenging and sometimes perilous conditions present on rural Welsh roads, particularly during peak holiday season.
According to sources monitoring the incident, the air ambulance was seen landing at the scene before later flying to the Royal Stoke University Hospital. This facility is recognised for its specialist trauma care, indicating the seriousness of the injuries sustained in the crash. The precise nature and number of casualties involved has not yet been confirmed by officials, though the deployment of an air ambulance points to at least one person suffering life-threatening injuries.
Officers from North Wales Police released a statement mid-afternoon, confirming ongoing attendance at the scene and warning that the A5 would remain shut in both directions for an extended period. In their message, they urged motorists to avoid the area entirely, emphasising the need for alternative travel arrangements while investigations and recovery continue. Both local residents and visitors have been advised to follow diversion signs and monitor live traffic updates.
Long delays built up throughout the afternoon, with congestion stretching back several miles in each direction. Commuters and tourists faced lengthy detours, and some motorists reported being stuck for over an hour as emergency services managed the scene. The road closure affected not only those travelling through Denbighshire, but also disrupted broader traffic networks across North Wales.
The Berwyn bends, where the accident took place, is a section of the A5 widely regarded as hazardous due to its sharp turns, limited visibility and frequent heavy traffic. This latest incident has reignited calls from local campaigners for safety improvements along the stretch, particularly during the busy summer months when traffic volumes surge.
As of early evening, there was no official update on when the road might reopen, with authorities reiterating that a thorough investigation would be necessary. Recovery teams remained at the location, working alongside police collision investigators to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the crash.
Incidents such as these serve as a sobering reminder of the risks present on the region’s roads. North Wales Police have appealed for any witnesses, or those with dashcam footage from the area around midday, to come forward and assist with their enquiries.
As the emergency response continued into the evening, communities around Llangollen and Glyndyfrdwy rallied to support those affected and urged patience as the authorities worked to restore normal traffic flow. The events of the day have deeply affected many in the area, with hopes that lessons can be learnt to prevent further tragedies in future.