Cause of HGV explosion on A525 still under investigation as fire service video shows ‘sobering reminder of the dangers we face’

A section of the A525 remains closed following a HGV fire and subsequent explosions last week.

The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday morning with the road remaining closed since, due to ‘severe damage’ to the road surface and an indepth clean up operation.

Wrexham’s Green Watch fire crew have published the above video of the incident, stating: “Last week Green Watch were the first two appliances on scene tackling this HGV fire. We were met with extremely challenging conditions, including a lack of water due to the location of the incident.

“The contents of the HGV also added to the complexity of the incident.

“The Incident Commander made up for our Wrexham fire colleagues as well as a fourth pump from Johnstown to act as water relay pumps. During our initial response to the fire our crews witnessed first hand the explosion shown in the 3rd video of this post (below).

“Luckily there were only our two pumps in the vicinity as the oncoming crews were yet to arrive, no injuries but a sobering reminder of the dangers we face in our role. The shockwaves were felt a far distance away and shrapnel also travelled through the air damaging windows and vehicles at nearby properties.

“Excellent work by the crews to get this under control and bring the incident to a safe and successful conclusion.” ( You can follow them on Insta here )

Below, a video of the HGV exploding via Emral Gardens Caravan Park:

With a local councillor raising concerns over the incident we asked the Fire Service, Police, Wrexham Council and Natural Resources Wales if it was possible to confirm what the HGV was carrying or if that was unknown at this stage.

We also asked if there was any formal investigation into the incident taking place, and if so, who the lead authority was on it.

David Powell, NRW Operations Manager for North East Wales, said yesterday: “We are continuing to support and advise Wrexham County Borough Council on the clean-up following the fire involving a heavy good vehicle on Whitchurch Road, Bangor on Dee, in the early hours of Thursday 29 June.

“NRW officers have been out to check local watercourses to ensure that any environmental impacts are minimised.”

North Wales Police said their role was attending the incident initially to assist with the road closure.

As of yesterday afternoon the fire service said Wrexham Council were in charge of the recovery and security of the vehicle, adding “the cause of the fire is still under investigation”.

No confirmation of what the HGV had been carrying, or the contents of two cylinders that had exploded, have been made public.

Council Officers have been speaking with nearby residents yesterday, with advice given around public health and environmental concerns.

Councillors and media have been told by Wrexham Council the ‘site is low risk and following clear up should be back serviceable in a day or two’.

Wrexham Council said: “Following the incident last week involving an articulated lorry fire at the above location, we can confirm that the road closure will be extended into this week. There is currently a team of specialist cleaning contractors removing the contents of the vehicle and associated debris.

“The current road closure diversion will remain in place whilst the highway and verge are cleared and repairs to the highway can be undertaken to enable the safe re opening of the road.

“May we take this opportunity to thank colleagues in North Wales Fire Service, Natural Resource Wales and the specialist cleaning contractor whose actions have mitigated any environmental and public health concerns in the locality of this incident.”

They added “Our officers will continue to liaise with nearby residents directly to ensure they are provided with help and support. We are working with our partners to bring the incident to a conclusion and re- open the road.”