Motorists reported being stuck for up to six hours while the incident was dealt with. Some even broke the law to get out of queueing traffic
15:35, 20 Feb 2026Updated 15:54, 20 Feb 2026
Car on fire on the A55 (Image: Iona Wyn Hall )
A55 drivers have spoken of their fury after a vehicle fire left motorists stuck in queues for as long as six hours. Emergency services were called to the eastbound carriageway of the Expressway between Caerwys and Holywell in Flintshire at around 3.40pm on Thursday after a car burst into flames.
The incident was first reported by an off-duty police officer at 3.40pm, before fire crews arrived to extinguish the flames. Although the damaged car was in a layby, officials confirmed an oil and diesel spill hampered their ability to reopen the carriageway to drivers.
Drivers took to social media to vent their anger at the way the emergency was handled, with some saying they were stuck in their vehicles for six hours while the clear-up took place.
They claimed a lack of communication regarding what was taking place further angered them. The Welsh Government said it was not possible to safely release the vehicles until one lane had been cleared up due to the location of the incident.
Police also confirmed a diesel spill took place while the vehicle was being recovered, which delayed the recovery process. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Burnt out car on the side of the A55 (Image: Alyssa Bewley)
One said: “I didn’t get home until 10:30pm I should have been home at 4pm. Lady in front had a baby with no formula left or food.. dogs left in cars etc NO ONE absolutely no one checked in on us at all.”
Another said: “I was stuck in this for over 5 hours. My biggest frustration wasn’t being stuck it was the sheer lack of communication and expectation.”
While another frustrated motorist added: “Myself and my daughters were sat in it for 5 hours. It was a total shambles. No one kept the SM updated to let us all know what’s happening.”
The Welsh Government, which has responsibility for the A55, said: “The safety of the travelling public is always our main priority.
“Following the vehicle fire yesterday between Jct 31 and 32 a clean-up operation was undertaken.
Car on fire on the A55 (Image: Iona Wyn Hall )
“However, there was a secondary oil spillage which required the full closure of both lanes. Due to the location of the incident it was not possible to safely release the vehicles until one lane had been cleared of the spillage.”
North Wales Police also released details of their response to the incident, and the requests made of the force while the emergency was being dealt with.
A spokesperson said: “We were made aware at 3.40pm by an off-duty officer reporting a vehicle fire on the eastbound carriageway of the A55 between J31 and J32 in the emergency layby.
“At 3.42pm, Traffic Wales informed us that they were attending the incident along with the local Highways department. Traffic Wales informed us they had command of the incident and officers from the Roads Crime Unit were not required.
“At 4.20pm, Traffic Wales once again confirmed they did not need police assistance at the scene, and that they had a rolling roadblock to divert traffic off at Junction 31.
“At 4.28pm, we were requested by Traffic Wales to escort a gritter through the traffic to attend to an oil spill on the carriageway.
“Roads Crime Unit Officers stayed at the location to escort a recovery lorry to move the vehicle. During the lifting of the vehicle, a further diesel spill occurred, and as a result, the gritter had to leave to restock before returning to the A55 at 7.14pm.
“At 8.48pm Traffic Wales contacted us to say that lane 1 had reopened, and Roads Crime Unit officers ensured traffic was clearing safely until 9.42pm, after which Traffic Wales officers remained at the scene awaiting a further supply of grit.”
During the major delays, there were reports of drivers turning the wrong way down slip roads to escape the gridlock. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
The police spokesperson added: “We are aware of some motorists attempting to leave the area by driving the wrong way down slip roads. We are currently working with Traffic Wales and Highways to discuss the management of the incident.”
The North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency is responsible for managing, maintaining and improving the strategic road network on behalf of the Welsh Government. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now – here’s how to sign up