‘Bangs and explosions’ rock Welsh seaside town as B&M lorry catches fire

A lorry fire in Pwllheli caused chaos in the seaside town, with witnesses reporting “bangs and explosions” resonating across the area. The incident, involving a B&M lorry, occurred around 8am on Wednesday morning while the vehicle was reportedly making a delivery to a local store. Concerned bystanders shared that the driver swiftly manoeuvred the lorry to a safer spot to protect the public as the fire erupted, believed to have originated from a burning tyre. Police promptly cordoned off roads in the Ala Road/Ffordd Caerdydd vicinity as fire crews hurried to the scene.

Witnesses described hearing multiple bangs, sparking speculation that the lorry may have been transporting fireworks. Dominic Richardson, from Dominic Richardson’s window cleaning services, recounted being at Treflan Doctor’s Surgery cleaning windows when he heard a loud bang and detected the smell of burning rubber. Reacting quickly, he packed up his equipment and moved to safety, recounting the incident as alarming, especially since it unfolded just ten feet from where he was working. Another observer mentioned arriving as the cordon was established, with reports circulating of fireworks detonating.

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service released a statement confirming their attendance at the fire involving a heavy goods vehicle delivering goods to a local shop on Lower Cardiff Road in Pwllheli at 8.05am. Four fire appliances and two specialist units were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation. The incident left locals shaken and highlighted the swift response and coordination of emergency services in the face of such unexpected events.