A motorway service station in Cardiff became the scene of a violent crash on Saturday when a 76-year-old woman’s car veered off the approach road and ploughed into a convenience store at Cardiff Gate Services, junction 30 of the M4.
The collision, reported shortly after 3:15 p.m., sent debris flying across the shop floor and left two pedestrians and the driver requiring hospital treatment. Emergency crews arrived within six minutes, treating an eight-year-old girl and a 39-year-old man for non-life-threatening injuries before transferring them to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
Key Points
- ✅ 76-year-old woman behind the wheel at time of crash
- ⚡ Car struck shop interior, causing structural damage
- 💡 No life-threatening injuries reported by South Wales Police
South Wales Police confirmed they had launched a formal investigation to determine the cause, including whether medical factors or vehicle failure played a role. CCTV footage from the service station’s exterior cameras captured the moment the grey Ford Focus mounted the kerb and burst through the glass façade, sending shopping baskets airborne and shattering display units.
💡 Pro Tip
Always check your mirrors before leaving a parking bay—especially on approach ramps where visibility can be limited and traffic speeds are higher.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one motorist, 42-year-old Lee Morgan from Pontprennau, saying he saw the car “swerve suddenly” before impact. “I heard a loud crunch, then glass everywhere. People inside were screaming,” he told local radio. Paramedics treated the injured on scene before ambulance crews arrived en masse.
| Aspect | Driver | Pedestrians |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 76 | 8 and 39 |
| Injury Level | Minor | Minor |
| Location After Incident | Hospital for observation | University Hospital of Wales |
The service station, operated by Moto Hospitality, remained partially closed for over two hours while police cordoned off the area. Structural engineers assessed the damage to the shop, estimating repairs could exceed £25,000. A Moto spokesperson said the company was cooperating fully with authorities and had arranged alternative refreshment points for stranded drivers.
📋 By The Numbers
- 3 — People injured in the crash
- 6 minutes — Average response time for emergency services
- £25,000 — Estimated structural repair cost
South Wales Police have appealed for dashcam footage from vehicles traveling eastbound on the M4 between junctions 29 and 31 between 2:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Anyone with information is urged to contact their non-emergency line immediately.
- Stay calm — Avoid touching debris or entering the cordoned area
- Report footage — If your dashcam captured the incident, submit it to the police
- Check on others — If you witnessed the crash, provide a statement to responding officers
