**Major Disruption on A4119 After Collision Involving Ambulance and Motorbike Near Tonyrefail**
Motorists in Rhondda Cynon Taf faced major travel disruption this afternoon as a collision between an ambulance and a motorbike led to the closure of the A4119 in both directions. The incident took place shortly before 12.30pm, just outside Tonyrefail, one of the main arteries connecting communities across the region.
South Wales Police were swiftly on the scene and established road closures between the Trebanog Hill and Tonyrefail junctions. Officers cordoned off the affected stretch, advising drivers to seek alternate routes while emergency services dealt with the aftermath. The incident rapidly caused significant congestion as traffic built up through surrounding areas, including Tylorstown.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police provided the first official update, confirming that “a minor collision between an ambulance and a motorcycle occurred on the A4119 near Tonyrefail around 12.25pm.” In a statement that will be a relief to many local residents and road users, the police also confirmed that “there are no serious injuries” resulting from the crash. Despite this, authorities took swift action to close the road to facilitate investigations and the removal of the vehicles involved.
Motorists reported long queues and heavy delays, particularly as the incident occurred during a busy period on the local road network. Nearby, the AA’s live Traffic Planner displayed heavy congestion filtering through Tylorstown and along alternative local routes, reflecting the significant knock-on effects of closing such a vital road. Local businesses and commuters expressed frustration at the delays, though many acknowledged the necessity of the closure while police and paramedics worked at the scene.
Residents and bystanders took to social media to share their observations, voicing both concern and support for those involved. Some witnessed the quick response from both police and ambulance teams, with one local noting, “It was impressive how quickly emergency services arrived and started working to clear the incident.” Such comments underscore the professionalism and efficiency typically displayed by first responders in the region.
Although early reports described the accident as ‘minor’, the incident shines a spotlight on the risks faced by emergency vehicles and other road users along busy roadways. The closure of the A4119 is yet another stark reminder of how quickly normal routines can be disrupted by unforeseen events – even when injuries are not severe, traffic accidents can have a considerable impact on local mobility and safety perceptions.
Local authorities are expected to fully reopen the road once debris is cleared and a safety assessment is completed. While the duration of the closure remained uncertain during the early afternoon, police reassured residents that every effort was being made to minimise disruption and restore normal traffic flow as swiftly as possible.
As investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash continues, South Wales Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or relevant information to come forward and assist. The prevalence of minor road traffic collisions, particularly those involving emergency vehicles, remains a persistent concern, prompting renewed calls from some road safety campaigners for increased awareness and caution among all road users.
For the latest updates on road closures and traffic conditions, residents are encouraged to refer to official police and council channels, as well as reputable traffic monitoring services. In the meantime, the community will no doubt come together to support those affected, appreciative that, on this occasion, the outcome appears to have avoided serious harm.