Paramedic dies after suffering injuries in five-vehicle crash
APARAMEDIC has died in hospital after suffering serious injuries in a crash. Mark Pell, who was described as “caring and supportive”, was one of two paramedics injured in the fivevehicle crash near Pentrefoelas in Conwy shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday, April 7.
The crash happened as the 51-year-old, who worked for the London Ambulance Service, was taking part in a training course with the North Wales Police Driver Training Unit. An HGV, a pick-up and three motorcycles were involved in the collision.
The Wales Air Ambulance took two paramedics to the Royal Stoke University Hospital. A road ambulance took two other individuals from the HGV to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor. Mr Pell died on Wednesday.
Officers from North Wales Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
The force is also appealing to anyone who may have been travelling on the road around the time of the crash to come forward.
Mr Pell, who has been described as a “mother hen”, always taking care of his colleagues, leaves behind his father Roger, mother Marilyn, sister Sarah, and partner Sarah Jane.
Paying tribute to Mr Pell, London Ambulance Service Trust chief executive Daniel Elkeles said: “It is with immense sadness that I announce the death of our colleague, Mark Pell, who passed away having been admitted to hospital following a road traffic accident whilst on a training course in north Wales.
“Mark was 51 years old and joined the London Ambulance Service in August, 1994. He joined us as a qualified ambulance person, a title I am told he was extremely proud of.
“He spent most of his career at Whipps Cross and Buckhurst Hill ambulance stations and, latterly, with the Motorcycle Response Unit. During the pandemic, Mark was a mentor with the operational placement centre at Ilford.
“I understand Mark was often referred to by his colleagues as the ‘mother hen’ – this was due to his desire to ensure everyone and everything was looked after.
“I hear it was not uncommon to see Mark three hours after his shift had ended; tidying up, restocking and generally ensuring the station had what it needed to run efficiently.
“Mark will be remembered for the absolute care and support that he offered to his colleagues, which was only surpassed by the care and compassion he gave to his patients.
“Mark undoubtedly exemplified everything that is great about the London Ambulance Service, and London and Londoners owe him a massive debt of gratitude for his 28 years of dedicated service. He will be greatly missed.
“My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mark’s father Roger, mother Marilyn, sister Sarah, and partner Sarah Jane at this extremely difficult time. I am also thinking of Mark’s wider family, friends and colleagues across the service.
“We would ask that people continue to respect the privacy of Mark’s friends, family and loved ones at this time.”
Chief Superintendent Alex Goss, of North Wales Police, said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our emergency service colleagues, and our heartfelt sympathies go to Mr Pell’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.
“A full investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of this collision and we appeal to anybody who may have been travelling along the A5 shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday, April 7, and who may have dashcam footage, to contact officers as soon as possible.”
Due to the involvement of the North Wales Police Driver Training Unit, and in line with normal procedures, the matter was referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct, which has determined that the investigation should be managed locally by North Wales Police.
Anybody with information should contact North Wales Police via its website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 22000239178.