Four people are in hospital and a police investigation is underway after a serious collision on the A55 in Flintshire, north Wales, triggered a major incident response.
The crash happened at about 3:21 pm on Saturday near Pentre Halkyn, when a lorry travelling eastbound struck two vehicles heading westbound. Emergency services raced to the busy dual carriageway as reports of multiple injuries began to emerge.
Police confirmed that one person with serious injuries was airlifted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent, a facility specialising in major trauma cases.
Another casualty was transported by road to the same hospital. Two additional people were taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl for treatment. Authorities have not yet released details of the victims’ identities or the extent of their injuries.
A 58-year-old man, believed to be the driver of the lorry, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was later released under investigation while enquiries continue.
The collision forced the closure of both carriageways of the A55, a key route linking the north Wales coast to Cheshire and beyond, for several hours.
Specialist officers from North Wales Police’s forensic collision investigation unit conducted detailed examinations at the scene, mapping skid marks, photographing debris, and collecting other evidence to determine the exact sequence of events.
Traffic officers worked through the evening to manage long queues, with diversions set up for stranded drivers. Shortly before midnight, one lane in each direction was reopened, but a temporary 40 mph speed limit remains in place as clean-up and repair works continue.
Sgt Danielle Ashley, from the Roads Crime Unit, urged anyone who saw the crash or has dashcam footage to contact police.
⚠️Update 07:00 #A55 J31 Caerwys
❌We are expecting long delays throughout the day due to the following lane closures in the area.
Please plan ahead – Follow this link for our CCTV: https://t.co/IFZoMNe2AA https://t.co/D2LEHHa3II
— Traffic Wales North & Mid (@TrafficWalesN) August 10, 2025
“We are particularly keen to hear from motorists who were travelling on the A55 near Pentre Halkyn around the time of the collision,” she said. “Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be important in helping us piece together what happened.”
The A55 is the main artery along the north Wales coast, and closures quickly ripple out to surrounding roads. Local businesses reported quieter-than-usual Saturday trade as customers were stuck in traffic or rerouted through back roads.
Residents in nearby villages such as Halkyn and Holywell said they saw a steady stream of vehicles diverting through rural lanes, causing congestion and delays.
One local driver, who asked not to be named, said: “I was heading towards Chester when we were brought to a stop. We sat for over an hour before we were diverted off.
The amount of emergency vehicles passing was unreal, police cars, ambulances, fire engines, and even the air ambulance landed nearby.”
The incident has reignited concerns over safety along the A55, particularly in areas where high speeds and heavy goods traffic converge with local traffic.
Road safety advocates say the crash underlines the importance of strict enforcement of speed limits and ensuring that heavy vehicles are properly maintained and operated.
While the official cause has yet to be confirmed, investigators will be examining potential contributing factors such as driver fatigue, vehicle condition, road surface, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
In a brief statement released late Saturday night, North Wales Police said:
“Following a serious road traffic collision on the A55 near Pentre Halkyn this afternoon, we can confirm four people have been taken to hospital.
A 58-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation. The road remains partially closed with a 40 mph speed restriction in place. We thank the public for their patience and cooperation.”
The investigation will likely take weeks as collision experts analyse physical evidence, review CCTV and dashcam footage, and interview witnesses. Once completed, a report will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service to determine whether charges will be brought.
Police are also liaising with the Health and Safety Executive to assess whether any wider safety regulations for heavy goods vehicles might be relevant.
In the meantime, motorists using the A55 are advised to allow extra time for journeys, observe the reduced speed limit, and remain vigilant while driving through the affected section.
The seriousness of the incident has prompted messages of support for the injured and praise for the emergency services’ rapid response.
Social media users from across north Wales shared updates, travel advice, and words of sympathy. One post read: “Thoughts are with everyone involved in the crash on the A55 today. Thank you to the emergency crews for all you do.”
For many in the area, Saturday’s events were a stark reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn into a life-threatening situation.
