A significant road incident occurred in Barry today, after a van dramatically overturned in the early hours, prompting an intense emergency response and the temporary closure of a busy thoroughfare. Authorities confirmed that a passenger was taken to hospital following the crash, which was described by local police as ‘serious’. Fortunately, initial assessments suggest the individual’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The accident took place along Port Road West, a major route in the Vale of Glamorgan, during the early morning on Saturday, 26 April. According to details provided by South Wales Police, emergency services were alerted at approximately 4:40am, when reports were received of a single-vehicle collision between the junctions of Colcot Road and Liscum Way.
Responders attending the scene found that the van had collided with a roadside bollard before overturning and coming to rest on its roof. The rapid arrival of police and ambulance teams enabled a swift response, with first aid administered on site before the injured passenger was transported to hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Commenting on the collision, a spokesperson for South Wales Police stated: “Officers were called to a report of a one-vehicle collision on Port Road West, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan at around 4:40am this morning. The incident had seen a van collide with a bollard and flip onto its roof. A passenger has been taken to hospital with injuries that are not thought to be serious. The road has since reopened.”
The closure of Port Road West, a key route in and out of Barry, caused some disruption for commuters and local residents early in the day. Police worked swiftly to investigate the circumstances and ensure the safety of those affected. The road was reopened to traffic after the vehicle was removed and officers were satisfied that the area posed no further danger.
Incidents such as this serve as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance on the roads, particularly during the early hours when visibility and reaction times may be compromised. While the cause of the collision is still under investigation, authorities are reminding all road users to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and remain alert at the wheel.
Residents and witnesses have expressed concern, with some noting that Port Road West has previously been the site of accidents, given its status as a busy connector between key parts of Barry and surrounding areas. Calls for ongoing safety reviews and potential additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future have subsequently been voiced by members of the local community.
For now, there is relief that the outcome was not more severe, and appreciation for the swift actions of South Wales Police and the emergency medical teams involved. The passenger involved remains under observation in hospital, but there is optimism that a full recovery will be possible.
The incident forms part of the wider discussions on road safety in Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan, with both local authorities and campaigners continuing to emphasise the critical importance of preventative action and responsive emergency services. Updates will be provided if police release further information regarding the circumstances of this shocking morning crash.
Anyone who witnessed the event or has relevant information is encouraged to contact South Wales Police as their investigations continue.