Serious M4 crash to close motorway for rest of day after HGV and two cars collide
A major stretch of motorway between two junctions is likely to remain shut for the rest of today (Friday, October 20) after a crash involving an overturned lorry and two cars. The M4 is closed in both directions[1] between junction 18 for Bath and junction 17 for Chippenham following the serious incident that happened shortly after 9am. Emergency services[2] are at the scene and the road is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day whilst police conduct their investigation.
An air ambulance was also caused to the scene of the crash. Shortly before noon, there were delays of around 80-minutes. Motorists are advised to follow the diversion via the A46, A420 and A350.
Wiltshire 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. "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."
Gloucestershire Live WhatsApp Breaking News and Top Stories
Join Gloucestershire Live's WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Gloucestershire Live[5] is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. Through the app, we'll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone. To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp.
All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'.[6] No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Gloucestershire Live[7] team. We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out at any time you like. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.[8]
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.[9] Avon and Somerset police 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." Traffic and travel site Inrix said: M4 in both directions closed, severe delays due to serious accident, an overturned lorry and two cars involved from J18 A46 (Bath / Tormarton ) to J17 A350 ( Chippenham ).
Congestion to halfway to J16 (Swindon West) on the wesrbound carriageway, and halfway to J19 (Bristol) as drivers queue to follow the diversion." Updates in our blog[10] Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop?
Download our app on iPhone[11] or Android[12] and comment on this story.
References
- ^ M4 is closed in both directions (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Emergency services (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Warning as red alert for flooding issued as rain lashes down on Gloucestershire (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Serious crash closes motorway as air ambulance called to scene (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Gloucestershire Live (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select 'Join Community'. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Gloucestershire Live (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ blog (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ iPhone (apps.apple.com)
- ^ Android (play.google.com)