Major incident declared as bus crashes on Cleddau bridge in Pembrokeshire

A number of the bus passengers are said to have been injured in the accident, with the driver of one of the vehicles flown to hospital by air ambulance after being “severely trapped” inside.

Police, fire, ambulance and air ambulance are all reportedly in attendance.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging people to only attend Withybush A&E if they have a serious injury or life threatening illness to allow them to treat people injured in the accident.

A major incident was initially called, however this has now been stood down.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 2.19pm on Tuesday, September 5th, the Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Tenby and Narberth crews were called to an incident on the Cleddau Bridge, Pembroke Dock.

“Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving one 52-seater bus and one private motor vehicle. 

“Crews extricated a severely trapped driver who was then taken to hospital by Air Ambulance.  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 is has since been stood down.

“Road traffic collision equipment, HGV platform and trauma packs were all extensively used throughout this incident.

“Some crews left the scene 4.16pm, with others remaining at the scene to further assist the Police.

A spokesperson for Wales Ambulance Service added: “We were called today, Tuesday 5 September, at approximately 2.14pm, to reports of a road traffic collision on the A477.

“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.”

A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said: “Police are in attendance at a road traffic collision which occurred on the A477 near the Cleddau Bridge, Pembroke Dock at about 2.15pm today, Tuesday, September 5^th.

“The A477 is currently closed between the Honeyborough roundabout and the Pembroke roundabout and road users are advised to take an alternative route.”

A spokesperson for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We are aware of a serious road traffic incident affecting the Cleddau Bridge, near Neyland in Pembrokeshire. The incident is being managed by the relevant emergency services.

“In order for us to support the incident response, we’re asking people to only attend A&E at Withybush Hospital if you have a life-threatening illness or serious injury, such as: Severe breathing difficulties; severe pain or bleeding; chest pain or a suspected stroke or serious trauma injuries (e.g. from a car crash).

“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.”

Commenting on the incident on X (formally twitter), First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “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.”

(Lead image: Geograph / John Lucas / Creative Commons)