**Cyclist Killed in Collision with Van on A4221 Near Coelbren: Police Appeal for Witnesses**
A tragic incident on the A4221 on Thursday afternoon has left a cyclist dead following a collision with a van near the village of Coelbren. The incident, which occurred at the junction with Cefn Byrle Road, prompted a major response from emergency services and led to the closure of the busy route for several hours.
According to information from Dyfed Powys Police, the collision was reported at approximately 3:15pm on 15 May 2025. Responders were dispatched swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, the male cyclist was sadly pronounced dead on site. The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released at this time, but his closest relatives have been informed and are currently receiving assistance from specialist police officers.
The immediate aftermath saw the A4221 closed to traffic between Coelbren and Caehopkin, as collision investigators carried out a comprehensive examination of the site. Officers worked into the night in an effort to determine the sequence of events that led up to the fatal crash. The closure, which lasted approximately seven hours, was lifted at around 10:40pm, restoring normal access for motorists.
Police are now seeking support from the public as investigations continue. In a statement released on Friday, a Dyfed Powys Police spokesperson called for anyone who may have travelled along the A4221 around the time of the incident to come forward, particularly those who may have witnessed the crash or captured relevant dashcam footage. “Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital in helping us establish what happened,” the spokesperson said.
This stretch of road, popular with both local commuters and cyclists, has previously seen concerns raised over safety at junctions, especially during busy periods. The tragic nature of Thursday’s incident has reignited discussions about measures to improve visibility and safety for vulnerable road users along rural Welsh roads. Nonetheless, no official changes have been announced as of yet.
The community of Coelbren and the surrounding areas have expressed their condolences to the bereaved family, with many taking to social media to voice their sorrow and call for a thorough review following the incident. Local councillors have also acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to work closely with authorities to ensure lessons are learned from this tragedy.
Those who may be able to provide information to the ongoing police investigation are urged to contact Dyfed Powys Police directly, quoting the specific details and time of the incident. Officers have reiterated the importance of public cooperation in such cases, as witness accounts frequently play a critical role in understanding the factors involved.
Road traffic collisions involving cyclists have been a subject of growing concern both locally and across the country, as more people turn to cycling for leisure and commuting. Safety advocacy groups have already highlighted this event as a sombre reminder of the risks faced by cyclists and the pressing need for improved infrastructure and awareness among all road users.
The investigation by Dyfed Powys Police remains ongoing. Updates on the case and any developments regarding road safety measures or findings from the collision analysis will be provided in due course. For now, the community mourns the loss of a member, and authorities continue their diligent work to piece together the circumstances that led to this heart-breaking outcome.