Nineteen people have been injured in a bus collision in Carmarthenshire, police have said.
Dyfed-Powys police announced a “major incident” after a multi-agency response to reports of a collision involving a bus on the A484 at around 12.20pm on Tuesday.
Thirteen casualties were assessed and discharged at the scene, and a further six individuals were taken to hospital for further medical attention. No injuries were believed to be life threatening at the scene of the collision.
Police stood down the major incident later this afternoon, they said in a statement, but the road will remain closed for collision investigators to carry out their enquiries.
A statement read: “Welfare arrangements were provided at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly. All individuals who sought comfort and safety at the centre have now left.
“We would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience while emergency services worked together at the scene. We would also like to thank the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly for their support.”
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Key Points
- Six people hospitalised while more than a dozen casualties discharged at the scene
- Major incident stood down by police force
- At least 26 injured, reports say
- All passengers removed 'safely' from bus collison
- Where has the collision taken place?
Pictured: Where the bus crash took place
18:00 , Bryony Gooch
Six people hospitalised while more than a dozen casualties discharged at the scene
17:50 , Bryony GoochSix people have been taken to hospital for medical attention, Dyfed-Powys Police said, while 13 casualties were assessed and discharged at the scene.
No injuries were believed to be life threatening, the force said.
Major incident is stood down by police force
17:46 , Bryony GoochThe major incident at Kidwelly has now been stood down, Dyfed-Powys Police has announced.
Emergency services responded to reports of a collision involving a bus on the A484 at around 12.20pm today.
The force said: “Thirteen casualties were assessed and discharged at the scene, and a further six individuals were taken to hospital for further medical attention.
“No injuries were believed to be life threatening at the scene of the collision.
“Welfare arrangements were provided at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly. All individuals who sought comfort and safety at the centre have now left.
“The road will remain closed for collision investigators to carry out their enquiries.
“We would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience while emergency services worked together at the scene. We would also like to thank the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly for their support.”
Bus involved in crash was an X11 service
17:00 , Bryony GoochThe bus involved in the crash was the X11 service which typically goes between Swansea Bus Station, Llanelli Bus Station, and Carmarthen Bus Station.
Zoe Hand, the managing director of First Bus Franchising which covers Wales, said: “Our X11 service was involved in an incident earlier this afternoon on the A484 close to the junction with Old Forge Lane, near Kidwelly.
“A team from our depot at Ammanford travelled to scene immediately to support our driver and look after our customers.
“The safety of everyone who travels with us is always our absolute priority and we are working with the police and ambulance service to care for those who need it and understand the circumstances which led to this incident.”
Local health board 'under significant pressure' as teams respond to major incident
16:29 , Bryony GoochThe Hywel Dda Health Board, which covers the west of Wales including Carmarthenshire, has warned that all emergency departments are “under significant pressure”.
“Our teams are responding to the major incident called as a result of the road traffic incident in Kidwelly.
“Our Emergency Departments are busy, and waiting times are likely to be longer as we treat individuals with the greatest need first.”
Police issue advice for commuters stuck in traffic
15:54 , Holly EvansDyfed Powys Police have issued guidance for any drivers who have become stuff in traffic due to road closures, as emergency services continue to tackle the incident.
They have urged people to:
Stay Cool
Turn on air conditioning if available, or open windows to allow airflow when safe.
Avoid sitting in direct sunlight – use sunshades or cover windows if possible.If the engine is off, ventilate the car safely to prevent overheating.
Keep Hydrated
Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks as they can worsen dehydration.
Protect Vulnerable People
Take extra care with children, older people, pregnant women, and those with long‑term health conditions.
Never leave anyone (or pets) alone in a vehicle, even for a short time.
All passengers removed 'safely' from bus collison
15:32 , Holly EvansIn their latest update, Dyfed Powys Police said that all passegners have been removed from the bus while emergency services remain at the scene.
The road leading to the roundabout is expected to remain closed as the investigation continues.
A spokesperson said: “Police, ambulance and fire services remain at the scene of the bus collision on the A484 in Kidwelly, following a report received at 12.20pm today (23 June.)
“All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.
“A rest centre has been set up at the John Burns centre where welfare arrangements are being made to ensure their comfort and safety.
“The road between the roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog is expected to remain closed for some time while emergency services respond to the incident and carry out enquiries.
“Members of the public are advised to find alternative travel routes until further notice.”
Local MP says thoughts are with those involved
15:14 , Holly EvansDame Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli – which includes Kidwelly – said her thoughts were with those involved.
“My immediate thoughts are with all those people who were involved in the crash, and the emergency services who are helping them,” she said.
“I would reiterate the official request for the public to stay away and find alternative routes to the Parc y Bocs roundabout to Llandyfaelog Road.”
Welsh minister addresses crash in the Senedd
15:04 , Holly EvansHeledd Fychan, who is a Welsh cabinet minister, has just addressed the bus crash in the Senedd, saying: "Members will be aware of a major incident in Kidwelly following a report of a collision involving a bus on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout.
"Emergency services are on the scene and members of the public are asked to stay away from the area until further notice.
"The Deputy Minister for transport will update the Senedd members accordingly once further information is available."
NHS board warn patients of longer waiting times
14:59 , Holly EvansThe Hywel Dda Health Board, which is the local NHS board for west Wales, has warned that waiting times are likely to be longer as a result of the collision.
In a statement, they said: “Our teams are responding to the major incident called as a result of the road traffic incident in Kidwelly.
“Our Emergency Departments are busy, and we waiting times are likely to be longer as we treat individuals with the greatest need first. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
“If you need additional support during this time, please help us to help you and get the right care in the right place. NHS 111 Wales is your first step if you are feeling unwell and not sure where to go for help.
“The service is run by trained healthcare professionals who can provide expert advice and guide you to the right care.”
Two Welsh Air Ambulances attend the scene
14:55 , Holly EvansTwo Welsh Air Ambulances can be seen arriving at the scene in Kidwelly.
Flight tracking website FlightRadar shows the first one arriving shortly before 12pm, with the second arriving at 12.30pm.
Where has the collision taken place?
14:39 , Holly EvansFull statement from Dyfed Powys Police
14:36 , Holly EvansIn a statement, Dyfed Powys Police said: “Officers are dealing with a major incident in Kidwelly, following a report of a collision involving a bus on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout (Parc y Bocs).
“The road is closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are asked to find alternative routes.
“Emergency services are on scene and members of the public are asked to stay away from the area until further notice.”
At least 26 injured, reports say
14:31 , Holly EvansRegional newspaper WalesOnline have reported that a source has informed them at least 26 people have been injured.
Flight tracking website Flightradar shows two Wales Air Ambulances have landed at the scene.
'Major incident' declared over Carmarthenshire bus crash
14:28 , Holly EvansEmergency services are dealing with a major incident following reports of a bus crash, police have said.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the collision took place in the coastal town of Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire.
The road affected, the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout, is closed and motorists have been asked to find alternative routes.
