A minibus full of passengers turned over after crashing off a country lane in the Eryri National Park. The Ford Tourneo was travelling along a notoriously narrow and twisty route that leads to a popular beauty spot above the Conwy Valley.
The vehicle was left on its side, wheels in the air, after leaving the steep lane between Trefriw and Llyn Crafnant. Only a tree prevented it from sliding further down the slope.
Miraculously, the five or so passengers and their driver clambered out without serious injury. They were later treated to cups of tea by the owners of a nearby Airbnb.
The incident, shortly after 5.30pm on Sunday, April 12, prompted a large emergency response, the scale of which alarmed nearby residents. “What the hell is happening?” said a woman online. “Sirens are non stop!”
Rushing to the scene were two fire engines, two ambulances and four police cars – the latter sealing off the road.
As this is the sole access to Llyn Crafnant, police issued a social media appeal to any visitors stranded at the lake, urging “patience”. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
A Wales Air Ambulance also landed in fields near the incident. In the event the helicopter crew wasn’t needed and they returned to Caernarfon airport via Anglesey.
Emergency service personnel survey the damage(Image: Graham and Angie Alcock)
A WAA spokesperson said: “Our Caernarfon-based crew arrived at the scene at 17:50. On discussion with other services present, we were advised that we were not required. Our involvement concluded at 18:20.”
The alarm was raised by the owners of Gelli Newydd, a nearby holiday let. A local resident said: “They called the emergency services and explained that all the occupants had managed to exit the minibus without injuries.
“But I guess someone pressed the full-scale emergency button.”
The seven-year-old Ford Tourneo, which was registered in Leeds seven years ago, came to rest against a tree, its bark peeled by the force of impact.
The road was closed by police as an air ambulance landed nearby(Image: Graham and Angie Alcock)
North Wales Police said no other vehicles were involved. A spokesperson said: “At 5.41pm on Sunday, April 12, we received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision in the Conwy Valley area, involving a mini-bus.
“Emergency services and the Wales Air Ambulance responded to the incident between Trefnant and Llyn Crafnant, which closed the road.
“No serious injuries were reported.”
Beautiful Llyn Crafnant in the hills above above Trefriw(Image: Ian Greig/Wiki)
The road is the only access to Llyn Crafnant, a mile-long reservoir where Gwydir Forest meets the lower slopes of the Carneddau mountains. It has a car park with toilets, and an idyllic lakeside cafe.
Famed for its spectacular views, its popularity is hampered only by its tricky access, with some people preferring to park and walk from the neighbouring lake of Llyn Geirionydd.
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