M4 closed after lorry and two cars involved in horror crash as air ambulance scrambled
A serious multi-vehicle crash has closed the M4 as an air ambulance has rushed to the scene in Wiltshire as Storm Babet[1] continues to wreak havoc. A HGV lorry has overturned, with two cars also involved in the smash – leading to closures in both directions at junction 18 for Bath and junction 17 for Chippenham. The motorway is likely to be closed for much of the rest of the day.
Severe delays of up to 80 minutes have been reported by National Highways. The road has been closed since around 9.15am and diversion routes set up. An air ambulance was also called to the scene.
Long delays have also been caused on the same stretch due to flooding as heavy rain lashes down on the West Country and much of the rest of the UK. Latest estimations from National Highways suggests the scene maybe cleared at the earliest by 6.45pm. Gloucestershire Police said: “Emergency services are currently in attendance at a serious collision on the M4.
The collision happened just inside the Wiltshire border between Junction 17 Chippenham and Junction 18 Bath at approximately 9.10am. Did you witness this incident? Let us know at [email protected]
A major emergency response is at the scene (Tom Wren / SWNS)
“Multiple vehicles are involved, including an HGV.
The M4 is closed in both directions at Junction 17 while emergency services are in attendance. Due to the nature of the collision and the vehicles involved, this closure is likely to remain in place for some time. Drivers should avoid the area if possible.
Anyone with information should call 101 and quote log number 93 of today.” Avon and Somerset Police[2] said: “Emergency services are responding to a serious collision involving a number of vehicles, including a lorry, on the M4 eastbound between junctions 18 (Bath) and 17 (Chippenham). It happened at about 9.10am this morning (Friday 20 October).
The motorway has been closed in both directions and is expected to be shut for some time. We would advise all motorists consider an alternative route while emergency services are responding to this incident.”
The crash was on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 18 (Bath) and 17 (Chippenham) at around 9.30am (Tom Wren / SWNS)
According to National Highways, the closure is likely to remain in place throughout the evening. A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police[3] said: “Due to the nature of the collision and the vehicles involved, this closure is likely to remain in place for some time.
Drivers should avoid the area if possible.” Writing on X, formerly twitter, Keith Graham said: “Sitting on a closed M4 and thinking the deadline to make a holiday flight is passing then remember someone up ahead is having a way worse day than us.
8 fire[4] engines, 7 ambulances, more police cars and they still coming.”
References
- ^ Storm Babet (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Wiltshire Police (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ fire (www.mirror.co.uk)