A MAJOR stretch of the A48 remains closed in both directions following a crash early this morning (Jan 25). The incident occurred around 5:00am between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham.

Police advice Dyfed-Powys Police have urged motorists to avoid the area, stating: “The road will be closed for an extended period due to a collision. Please find alternative routes for your journey.”

Traffic monitoring service Inrix reports that the closure spans from Cross Hands Roundabout to Heol Parc Mawr and remains in place for investigation work.

Safety concerns This closure follows ongoing calls to improve safety on the A48 stretch between Carmarthen and Pont Abraham, which has an average of one crash every two days.

Diversions in place Traffic Wales has confirmed that the westbound diversion takes drivers along the A483 through Tycroes and Ammanford, then onto the B4556 via Penygroes. Eastbound traffic is reportedly coping well despite the closure.

The road is expected to remain shut for the rest of the morning as investigation work continues.

Live updates

• 12:30pm: Inrix reports the road remains closed with diversions operating smoothly.
• 10:30am: Traffic Wales states the stretch is likely to stay closed throughout the morning.
• 09:30am: Both carriageways remain shut: the westbound closure extends from the M4 Pont Abraham Roundabout to A476 Llandeilo Road (Cross Hands), while the eastbound closure runs from A476 to Heol Parc Mawr.
• 08:50am: Traffic Wales shares a photo from the scene and continues to urge drivers to avoid the area.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

AT11:48am on Friday (Jan 24), Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Llandysul and Carmarthen fire stations were called to a fire in Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn.

The fire involved a 40-foot by 8-foot storage container and was confined to a generator inside. Firefighters used a hose reel jet, two breathing apparatus sets, a thermal imaging camera, and a positive pressure ventilation fan to extinguish the blaze.

Crews remained on site to dampen down the area before departing at 12:57pm.