News
Miraculous: How most walked away from this doomed flight from Cardiff

IN the shadowy and tumultuous skies over Spain, a narrative of dread and extraordinary survival unfolded as Britannia Airways Flight 226A, making its journey from Cardiff-Wales Airport to Gerona-Costa Brava Airport, faced an ordeal that tested the resolve of those on board, leading to an outcome where the vast majority emerged unscathed. This episode, occurring 24 years prior, stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the utmost importance of aviation safety.

The aircraft, a Boeing 757-204 bearing the registration G-BYAG, confronted adverse weather right from the start. Departing from Cardiff at 20:40 local time, neither the crew nor the passengers could have anticipated that their flight towards Gerona would test their endurance to such an extent. As they neared their destination, a looming thunderstorm set the stage for a challenging approach, culminating in a critical decision-making moment with lasting implications.

The narrative reaches its apex as the crew, navigating through darkness and torrential rain, chose a VOR/DME approach to runway 02, contending with a wet runway, downslope, and tailwind. A sudden alteration in wind direction necessitated a switch to an ILS approach to runway 20, placing the aircraft in peril. In the final moments before landing, a series of technical mishaps and human errors, compounded by the severe weather, led to a disastrous runway excursion.
The aircraft’s impact was catastrophic, leading to its destruction. Yet, in the wake of devastation, an extraordinary outcome was revealed: of the 236 passengers and nine crew members aboard, only two sustained serious injuries, while 41 incurred minor injuries. Tragically, one passenger later died due to undiagnosed internal injuries, casting a shadow over an otherwise miraculous tale of survival.


Subsequent inquiries unveiled multiple contributing factors to the accident, including the destabilisation of the approach, loss of external visual references, and an uncommanded increase in forward thrust. These revelations underscore the necessity for stringent flight crew training and thorough weather condition assessments, serving as crucial lessons for the future of aviation safety.
As we remember those who survived and ponder the events of that September night, the ordeal of Flight 226A is a testament to human resilience and the paramount importance of advancing aviation safety standards.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the slender margin between tragedy and miracle, and the indomitable spirit that prevails in the face of adversity.

Crime
Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.
The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”
No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.
Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Business
Haverfordwest opticians celebrate 100 years of long service

WALES’ LARGEST Specsavers store is celebrating a series of individual long service milestones, with nine team members collectively marking a century of long service in 2025.
At the heart of the celebrations is Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest, who has worked at the company for 20 years.
Since becoming a partner in 2006, Mr Britton has overseen the store’s transformation from a small site with just four test rooms to a state-of-the-art £1.2 million premises at 21 Riverside Quay. The enhanced store now boasts 14 test rooms equipped with cutting edge technology and a significantly larger team, growing from 11 to 45 employees.
Haverfordwest residents benefit from Mr Britton’s clinical expertise – he holds multiple postgraduate diplomas that allow him to prescribe medication directly to customers, helping to ease pressure on local GP surgeries and hospitals. He has also led the introduction of enhanced services, including glaucoma monitoring, ensuring more people can access specialist care closer to home.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Britton says: ‘It’s been a privilege to serve the Haverfordwest community over the last 20 years. I’m proud of the team we’ve built and the progress we’ve made – all with the aim of delivering the best possible care for our customers.’
Mr Britton’s anniversary was celebrated alongside colleagues Elise Evans, Gareth Riley and Carrie Lewis-Jones – each marking 15 years with Specsavers – as well as other team members celebrating 10 and five-year milestones.
Fellow director, Wayne Jones, was among those celebrating five years with the business, after joining the Haverfordwest store in 2020. He was named a finalist for Optometrist of the Year at the Optometry Wales Awards in 2023 and then in 2024, joined forces with Mr Britton as retail director of the store.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr Jones says: ‘Our team’s experience and dedication are what makes Specsavers Haverfordwest so special. Reaching 100 years of individual long service milestones in 2025 is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a real testament to the commitment of our colleagues, and we look forward to many more successful years ahead.’
To mark the occasion, the directors hosted an in-store awards ceremony, presenting certificates and bottles of champagne to the nine long-serving team members celebrating.
Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.
Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.
Community
Appeal launched as Welsh teenagers missing for nearly a week

POLICE have launched an appeal after two teenagers from Wales went missing almost a week ago.
Isobel and Daniel, both aged 16, were last seen together in the Machynlleth area of Powys on Monday. They are from the Cardigan area of Ceredigion and are believed to have links to both Gloucestershire and Merseyside.
Isobel is described as 5ft 3ins tall with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-trimmed hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.
Daniel is described as 6ft 1ins tall, with short dark brown hair shaved at the sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large camping backpack in black, red, and grey.
Dyfed-Powys Police is urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to get in touch via the online portal, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
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