A RELIEVED football executive has thanked emergency services and supporters for their co-operation following a car crash which could have led to a “dangerous explosion” at a match last week.

Porthmadog FC chairman Phil Jones has thanked the emergency services after a friendly fixture between Port and neighbours CPD Penrhyndeudraeth was overshadowed by a serious incident five minutes before the end of the game on Tuesday, 24 July.

The game was halted, with Porthmadog leading 2-0, when a car careered down the slope from the bypass and onto gas cylinders adjacent to the clubhouse.

Players and other helpers rushed to the car and the driver was freed.

Police, fire engines and an ambulance arrived at the scene and the bypass was closed, and cars parked close to the incident were unable to leave the car park at the end of the game.

“It is a huge relief that things have turned out as well as they have given the circumstances,” said Porthmadog FC club chairman Phil Jones.

“Everyone is safe, but the potential did exist for a very serious outcome.”

He added: “We have to thank the emergency services and the gas company workers for their immediate response to the 999 call and for the highly professional way they dealt with such a difficult situation, the kind of response which went way beyond the call of duty.

“It is important for people to know how dedicated the emergency services have been, with the fire brigade remaining at the scene until 3am and the gas workers there for even longer to ensure that there was not an explosion. We cannot thank them enough.”

Fire engines from Menai Bridge, Caernarfon and Pwllheli, as well as from Porthmadog, attended the incident.

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