**Risca Residents Urged to Avoid Area after Serious Collision Involving Child**
A significant emergency response unfolded in Risca, Caerphilly County, on Wednesday following a major road traffic incident understood to involve a young boy. Gelli Avenue, a residential street within the town, has been entirely cordoned off as police, ambulance services, and an air ambulance attended the scene.
Eye-witness accounts indicate the incident occurred during the late afternoon, sparking a rapid mobilisation of medical and police personnel. Local reports recount the urgency at a nearby GP surgery on Park Road, where a man is said to have dashed in, seeking medical assistance for those involved before emergency services arrived.
Gwent Police confirmed in an official statement that Gelli Avenue remains closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic while investigations continue. They have implemented diversions in the surrounding area, appealing to motorists and residents to seek alternative routes. Local authorities have warned that significant congestion is likely across the neighbouring streets, urging patience and caution.
The Welsh Ambulance Service’s presence was quickly augmented by an air ambulance, which landed nearby as the seriousness of the collision became clear. Such a deployment underlines the grave nature of the injuries reportedly sustained in the incident, although at this time, the identities and conditions of those involved have not yet been formally disclosed.
Residents have expressed shock and concern as emergency vehicles and personnel crowded around the scene. Many have taken to social media to express their sympathy with the families affected and to share vital updates regarding road closures and traffic delays. The wider community has been asked to stay clear of the area to facilitate the work of emergency teams.
While official details about the cause of the crash and the number of people involved remain scarce, unconfirmed reports from locals suggest that a young child may have been struck by a vehicle. Authorities have been quick to reassure the public that further information will be released as soon as possible and have emphasised the importance of refraining from circulating speculation online.
Incidents of this magnitude are fortunately rare in quiet residential areas like Gelli Avenue. However, the rapid and professional response from Gwent Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service, and air ambulance teams highlights the preparedness of emergency services to deal with sudden events of this nature. Residents have voiced their appreciation for the work and dedication shown by first responders under tremendous pressure.
Traffic disruption is expected to persist into the evening while officers conduct collision investigation work, and efforts are made to clear the area safely. Police have asked for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist with enquiries.
As the community comes together in the wake of the incident, thoughts remain fixed on the wellbeing of the young boy at the centre of this distressing event. Local authorities are expected to provide more updates as the situation develops, and people are advised to monitor official channels for the latest information.
For ongoing updates, those in the Risca area are encouraged to remain indoors where possible and delay any non-essential journeys until roads are reopened and emergency operations have concluded. The coming hours are set to be challenging for all involved, and support from the wider public will be vital during this difficult time.