THE TRANQUIL atmosphere of Newgale Campsite abruptly disrupted last night (Aug 12) as a car crashed into the premises, causing ‘screaming and panic’ amongst patrons. Witnesses at the location recounted the stark image of a blue Ford Focus lying sideways amidst the campsite.
The car was travelling in the direction from Haverfordwest to St Davids on the A477 when he lost control in a 30mph zone. Early evidence from the scene hints at high speed being a significant factor in the incident. Specialist officers are on-site, working to determine the accident’s precise cause.
The magnitude of the incident saw an immediate and substantial response from emergency services. Teams from the police, ambulance, fire brigade, coastguard, and a rescue helicopter were all dispatched promptly. The Welsh Ambulance Service’s response was notably comprehensive, as they detailed: “We engaged six emergency ambulances, one duty operations manager, one Cymru high acuity response unit. Additionally, our personnel were aided by the emergency medical and retrieval transfer service and a search and rescue helicopter.”
Six of the casualties were swiftly taken to hospitals across Wales. One critically injured individual was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, while four others were rushed to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. Another casualty was transported to Swansea’s Morriston Hospital. Details regarding the extent of their injuries are still forthcoming.
WITNESS ACCOUNTS AND MIRACULOUS ESCAPE
Campsite owner Mike Harris said that there were around 15 emergency vehicles in attendance and that he believed nine people had been injured in total. He said: “There are no fatalities and from what I understand none of the injuries are life-threatening but I would say some are certainly life changing.”
He said that the vehicle appeared to hit an area where a group of people from several tents had gathered outside their tents to socialise.
He said: “It happened at 10:38pm, I had left the campsite four minutes earlier and didn’t hear or see anything.
“My staff heard the screaming and informed me immediately while they called the emergency services.
“I think they first thought there would have been fatalities and that’s why there were so many emergency vehicles here.
“I think one baby was saved purely by the fact it was in a cot.”
The A487, which passes through Newgale, was temporarily sealed for investigations but was reopened by 10 am on Sunday, Aug 13. Newgale Campsite, in spite of the night’s tragic events, continues its operations.
CONCERNS ON HOSPITAL DOWNGRADE
Audrey Thomas, from the ‘Save Withybush Campaign’, expressed deep concerns about local hospital services. She voiced worries about the recent downgrades, stating, “This distressing incident emphasises the pivotal need for a LOCAL hospital.” Thomas further emphasised the risks posed by removing essential community services, urging decision-makers to consider the broader community’s safety.
POLICE STATEMENT
The police released a statement on Sunday saying: “We are appealing for witnesses or information following a serious collision, which saw a car crash off the A487 and into a campsite in Pembrokeshire last night (Saturday, 12 August).
At shortly after 10.30pm several calls were made to emergency services reporting the one-car collision at Newgale Campsite.
The blue Ford Fiesta, which contained a number of occupants, is believed to have been travelling from the direction of Roch in the St Davids direction when it lost control and veered off the road.
It crashed into the campsite, colliding with a number of people and a tent, injuring nine, including passengers in the car.
The injuries sustained by two of them are described as serious. They remain in hospital at this time.
The road was closed to allow investigations and reopened at around 7.45am today.
Officers are appealing for any information regarding the vehicle, a blue Ford Fiesta, and its occupants.
We are especially interested in any dash-cam footage or doorbell footage which may have captured the vehicle being driven from Roch to the scene of the collision at Newgale.
Do you have information that could help us with this investigation? Please, let us know:
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Quote reference: DP-20230812-402
You can also get in touch anonymously with Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, or visit https://orlo.uk/Ur9z9
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
