29 August 2024 , 07:41
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Three people were killed after a car smashed into pedestrians in a coastal town packed with school holiday crowds.
Police and paramedics rushed to Beaumaris seafront on Anglesey shortly after 2.45pm yesterday to reports that a driver had become unwell before hitting pedestrians.
Shocked locals said the people were hit by an Audi A5 which had swerved to avoid a horse-drawn carriage before hitting a house close to Beaumaris pier.
An air ambulance joined other emergency services after being called around 2.30pm.
Witnesses said the Audi ‘came out of nowhere’ before smashing into the house(Picture: fpnw.co.uk©2024)
The three people were declared dead at the scene.
An air ambulance and paramedics attended the scene (Picture: Daily Post Wales)
One local said: ‘The Audi seemed to come out of nowhere.’
‘It swerved to go around a horse and carriage, mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians who were walking past a house – they didn’t stand a chance.
‘There are people standing around in shock, they can’t believe what has happened.’
Another witness said she watched ‘people trying very, very hard to do CPR’.
‘It was just awful, the ambulance took ages to get here and when the police and the vehicles eventually came… there was nothing they could do once they got here.
‘(The vehicle) was so mangled. It’s so mangled it’s not true.
‘Everybody really rallied around, diverting the traffic and trying their best to give the people dignity, but it was pretty horrific.’
She added: ‘The town is absolutely full of tourists and people walk down that street. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful place.’
Witness Keith Shed also posted on social media: ‘It happened right in front of us on the road beside the pier.
‘It’s an utter tragedy for those directly affected by the crash.
‘No warning, it happened completely out of the blue.’
A local businessman said: ‘It’s so sad. It’s a shock to the system.’
Writing on Facebook, another resident said: ‘This is awful! May they rest in peace.’
Local MP Llinos Medi posted online: ‘Devastating news from Beaumaris. I am thinking of everyone who has been affected today.
‘The news has shaken our community here on the island. A heartfelt thank you to all the emergency services and volunteers who are responding to the emergency.’
Virginia Crosbie, former Conservative MP for Ynys Mon, added in a statement on Facebook: ‘My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and loved ones.’
Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, said in a statement on X: ‘This is devastating news and my condolences are with those involved and their loved ones.
‘I ask anyone who has any information to assist the police in their investigation to come forward.
‘I am grateful to all the emergency services for their quick response. Diolch.’
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, and the Bishop of Bardsey, David Morris, issued a joint statement offering ‘our sympathy and prayers to all who have been involved in today’s car accident’.
They said: ‘This is devastating news for the community and for the friends and family of the three people who have sadly died.’
Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst said: ‘Sadly, we can confirm that three people have been fatally injured in the incident.
‘We are appealing to anybody who witnessed the incident that hasn’t already spoken to officers, or anybody who might have dashcam footage, to please get in touch.’