Emergency services were called to the scene by Penmaenbach tunnel shortly before 6am. Accident investigators were still on the scene at lunchtime.
Police are now appealing for witnesses. In a statement, the force said: “We were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a white Hyundai on the A55 eastbound at Dwygyfylchi at 05:49hrs this morning
“The single occupant of the vehicle was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin and the coroner have been informed, and an investigation is ongoing into the incident. We’re appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to contact us.”
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The Welsh Ambulance Service sent three vehicles to the crash site, while two appliances were initially dispatched by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. A section of the eastbound carriageway was closed off by police from the junction 16 Puffin roundabout.
Drivers were urged to take a detour from junction 11 Bangor Service. The 39-mile route took vehicles along the A5 and A470 before re-joining the A55 at junction 19.
But many drivers were unaware or opted to continue regardless. Queues quickly built at Puffin roundabout and along the Sychnant Pass as drivers sought to detour. At one point, delays were estimated at 53 minutes.
Adding to A55 snarl-ups was the “sheer volume of traffic” heading westbound. In late morning, Traffic Wales implemented traffic management controls at Conwy Tunnel, causing queues to back up from Llandudno Junction.
An added complication was a planned go-slow convoy organised by 20mph protestors. This was due to run on the A55 in both directions this morning – there’s more on this here. Bangor drivers were made aware of eastbound hold-ups before deciding whether or not to join the convoy.
Witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage can contact North Wales Police contact us on 101. Callers should quote incident number A172376.
