Pembrokeshire bus crash: One person killed and nine injured after crash on Cleddau Bridge
One person has been killed and nine injured after a collision involving a 52-seater coach in Pembrokeshire, Wales[1].
Fire crews were scrambled to extract a driver after the crash on the Cleddau Bridge involving the bus and a car on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
“Crews extricated a severely trapped driver who was then taken to hospital by air ambulance,” a fire service spokesman said.
“Several of the bus passengers suffered with various injuries and many of them were taken to hospital by road ambulances and police vehicles.
“This was declared a major incident but it has since been stood down.
“Road traffic collision equipment, HGV platform and trauma packs were all extensively used throughout this incident.”
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We sent five emergency ambulances, one duty operations manager, one Cymru High Acuity Response Unit and non-emergency patient transport service vehicles to the scene.
“We were supported by colleagues from the Wales Air Ambulance. We transferred one patient to University Hospital of Wales, and a further nine patients to Withybush Hospital for further treatment.”
Dyfed-Powys Police posted an update on Facebook on Tuesday evening saying: “Sadly, one person has died. Next of kin have been advised and are being supported by officers.
“One person was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
“A number of passengers on the coach were taken to hospital with various levels of injuries.
“The A477 is currently closed between the Honeyborough roundabout and the Pembroke roundabout and road users are advised to take an alternative route.”
Hywel Dda Health Board, the operators of Withybush Hospital, urged patients to only attend A&E if they have a “life-threatening illness or serious injury”.
A spokesperson said: “To ensure that we can treat patients appropriately, we urge you to choose your healthcare services very carefully, so that we are only seeing people with urgent or emergency care needs in A&E.”
Mark Drakeford[2], first minister of Wales, sent his thoughts to those involved in the incident.
“Worrying to hear news of a major incident on the Cleddau Bridge. Details are still emerging. My thoughts are with all those involved and my thanks to the first responders and emergency services working at the scene,” he said.
Samuel Kurtz, the Conservative Senedd member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said: “Very concerning news and hope all those involved are ok.
“Thanks to all our emergency services for reacting to this incident.”
Pembrokeshire County Council has advised that the Cleddau Bridge is closed to all vehicles.
The Cleddau Bridge opened to traffic in 1975 and replaced a ferry service connecting the two separated parts of Pembrokeshire.
Around 4.4 million vehicles per year use the bridge to cross the Milford Haven estuary.
References
- ^ Wales (inews.co.uk)
- ^ Mark Drakeford (inews.co.uk)