The road was shut for more than two hours, with two people taken to hospital
A major Welsh road was closed for hours after a road-rage dispute erupted into violence on the carriageway. Emergency services were called to the westbound carriageway of the A55 in North Wales on Monday, May 19 after a fight broke out between two men.
The incident caused major disruptions to rush-hour traffic and prompted a large emergency response. The altercation occurred near Dwygyfylchi, where two men, who were passengers in separate vehicles, became involved in a brawl.
Police, along with two air ambulances, were called to the scene, reports North Wales Live.
Both men were taken to hospital with injuries, and one was later arrested.
Two women, who police said were driving the cars involved in the incident, were also arrested. Officers have confirmed that no collision had taken place.
In a statement, North Wales Police said: “North Wales Police were called at 16:01hrs on Monday, May 19th reporting an altercation in the live westbound carriageway of the A55 at Dwygyfylchi between two males. Officers responded and the road was closed.
“Both males were passengers in separate vehicles – an Audi and a Cupra, and both were injured and taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd with injuries.
“The female drivers of both vehicles were arrested – a 33-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and section 18 wounding and a 49-year-old female was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, racially aggravated public order and careless driving.
“One male has since been released from hospital and is now in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of assault.
“Both females have since been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue. The A55 reopened shortly before 6pm.
“Officers would like to thank all those who contacted them yesterday, and also to all motorists for their patience and understanding whilst the incident was dealt with.”
Two air ambulances were dispatched to the scene. One from Caernarfon arrived at the site at around 4.30pm, while the second helicopter from Welshpool was redirected en-route to the incident. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
At one point, both directions of the A55 were shut between the Penmaenmawr exit and the Llandudno Junction side of the Conwy Tunnels. This led to traffic being diverted onto alternative routes, causing congestion in areas such as Conwy and Llandudno Junction.
The eastbound lanes were reopened shortly after the incident, but the westbound carriageway remained closed for over two hours.