**Motorcyclist Killed and Passenger Seriously Injured After Collision with Van in North Wales**
A tragic road traffic incident has resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and left his passenger with critical injuries following a crash in Conwy, North Wales.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on the A5 near Capel Curig late Saturday afternoon, responding to reports of a collision involving a red Honda motorcycle and a white Volkswagen Caddy van. The incident was reported to authorities at around 5.30pm, prompting a swift response from police, ambulance crews, and the air ambulance service.
Upon arrival, paramedics found the male motorcyclist had suffered fatal injuries, and sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of medical staff. His identity has not yet been released, and police have since informed his family.
Simultaneously, a female pillion passenger travelling on the motorcycle sustained serious injuries, described by authorities as ‘potentially life-changing’. She was airlifted by helicopter to a specialist trauma unit at a hospital in Stoke, where she remains under medical care. The extent and long-term impact of her injuries are yet to be confirmed.
Initial reports indicate that the driver of the van involved was also treated for injuries described as minor. The van driver’s identity has not been disclosed as investigations continue.
North Wales Police immediately launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the collision. Sergeant Leigh McCann from the Roads Crime Unit is leading the inquiry and has expressed condolences to those affected. “We are thinking of the motorcyclist’s family during this extremely difficult time,” Sergeant McCann said in a statement.
As part of the investigation, police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or was travelling on the A5 near Capel Curig around the time to come forward. Officers are particularly keen to review any dashcam footage from vehicles in the vicinity, as such recordings could provide vital evidence to help piece together the moments leading up to the incident.
In the aftermath, a section of the A5 was closed in both directions for several hours while emergency teams worked at the scene and specialist collision investigators conducted their work. Police have thanked local residents and motorists for their patience while diversions and road closures were in place.
This incident once again highlights the dangers faced on rural roads, particularly for motorcyclists and their passengers, who are often more vulnerable to serious injury. The stretch of the A5 near Capel Curig is well-known for its scenic views but also presents significant challenges for drivers due to its twists and variable conditions.
Anyone with information or footage related to the incident is being encouraged to contact North Wales Police either through their website or by calling 101, quoting the reference incident number C067082. The force has reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and providing support to those impacted.
Road safety continues to be a paramount concern for the local community, with authorities regularly calling for caution and vigilance, especially along the region’s winding rural routes. As families affected by this tragedy begin to come to terms with the consequences, the focus now turns to understanding exactly how such a devastating event occurred, and whether any lessons can be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.