A major incident has been declared in north Wales with the A55 closed and holidaymakers stuck in hour-long delays. Emergency services responded to a vehicle fire that closed the road in both directions at the tunnels under the Afon Conwy, causing massive tailbacks on the A55 and impacting other roads in the area as drivers sought alternative routes.

Witnesses reported that a large crane burst into flames inside the tunnel, leading to plumes of smoke billowing from the area. Motorists were advised to avoid the scene due to the road closure, with police urging those near the incident to stay in their vehicles because of heavy smoke.

The North Wales fire service escalated the situation to a 'major incident' as they worked with multi-agency partners to control the fire and protect the environment. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with audio messages instructing people to leave their vehicles and walk out of the tunnel.

Reports indicated that cars were being turned around on the A55, with the road empty apart from wagons and buses also being redirected. The incident caused significant delays and tailbacks on the busy route, impacting holidaymakers and commuters alike.