'I thought it might explode' - driver's terror as huge fire breaks out in A55 tunnel

MOTORISTS watched in horror yesterday as thick smoke billowed from the Conwy Tunnel in the lead-up to a major incident being declared.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE and OWEN HUGHES

Eerie electronic messages warning of an “emergency” sent shivers across North Wales amid fears people may be trapped inside.

The huge blaze led to the closure of the A55 in both directions at Conwy. Penmaenbach Tunnel was also closed, throwing much of northwest Wales into gridlock.

It is understood a crane vehicle burst into flames inside the tunnel. Urging people to stay away, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service tasked crews to tackle the incident. It warned the tunnel would be “closed for some time”.

According to traffic websites, the fire broke out shortly after 2pm yesterday (Thursday, June 19). First to report it was Traffic Wales, which simply stated: “Warning - Vehicle fire. Emergency services are on scene.”

Photos and videos soon emerged on social media showing black smoke spewing from the tunnel. One witness described hearing audio messages in the tunnel telling people to “leave their vehicles and walk out”.

Online, a woman captured the general sentiment when saying: “Sending prayers to anyone currently there... I hope everyone including all 999 responders come home safely tonight.”

A motorist described driving past the smoking vehicle on the westbound carriageway. Eira D’Arcy, who was travelling to Anglesey, said: “The tunnel was still open when we came through.

"It was scary as I thought it may explode and wanted to get out of the tunnel.”