TRIBUTES have been paid to an ambulance driver who died in a tragic crash near Pwllheli.

An ambulance driver, named locally as John Clift, was killed when his patient care service vehicle was in collision with an ambulance on the A499 near Y Ffor on the afternoon of Thursday, 28 April.

The three occupants of the of Mr Clift’s vehicle were taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd with serious injuries.

Three emergency ambulances and two rapid response vehicles were sent to the scene, as well as two Wales Air Ambulances.

Two fire engines were also called from Pwllheli and Abersoch along with a technical rescue unit from Caernarfon.

Richard Lee, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s director of operations, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident, but particularly with the family of the colleague we have lost.

“As an ambulance service we deal with road traffic accidents on a daily basis. These are always difficult for our staff to deal with, but even more so when they involve our colleagues.

“We have plans in place to support our staff in Pwllheli and the wider Gwynedd area over the coming days.”

Sonia Thompson, the Trust’s head of operations in north Wales, added: “We were all absolutely devastated to hear about this tragic accident, and our thoughts with everyone involved.

“We’re doing everything we can to support our affected colleagues, and are working hard to understand what happened.”

Unison, which represents ambulance drivers, also paid tribute to staff who were caught in the smash near Pwllheli.

Margaret Thomas, UNISON regional secretary said: “The collision between two Welsh ambulances in north Wales has devastated both UNISON and all staff at the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, known as WAST.

“Three members of WAST staff went to work to help support patients in need yesterday and if required to save and preserve life. One very sadly didn’t return home and two remain seriously injured in hospital.

“We pay tribute to our colleague who died, to his service with WAST and to patients in Wales. We also offer all of our solidarity and support to his family at this harrowing time.

“UNISON pays tribute to all urgent care staff at WAST as they come to terms with the serious injuries of two members of their team.

“UNISON would also pay tribute to Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics and technicians who came to the aid of their colleagues yesterday as well as the two Welsh Air Ambulance helmed teams.

There can be few more difficult jobs to have to do than work to preserve the life of your colleagues.

“The response across the UK has been inspirational.

"UNISON ambulance branches and personnel from every part of the UK has responded and passed on their prayers, solidarity, support and best wishes for the survivors. We would like to thank each and everyone today.”