M4 westbound carriageway between junctions 12 at Theale and 13 at Chieveley near Newbury was closed for several hours today following serious crash

UPDATE: The M4 has now fully reopened. UPDATE, 1.30pm: Two people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries after the earlier crash and emergency services remain at the scene at this time. National Highways said it expects the motorway to remain closed for several hours while Thames Valley Police carry out crash investigations.

The “serious collision” occurred around 9.30am, on the westbound carriageway between junction 12 at Theale and junction 13 for Chieveley. It involved three cars and a light goods vehicle.

Trapped traffic has now been released from the closure, but delays are being experienced on surrounding roads and along the diversion route. Traffic is being sent along the A4 to Newbury, the A339, and then the A34 to junction 13.

Temporary traffic lights on the A4 near Woolhampton are adding to the traffic woes in the area.

10.20am: A stretch of the M4 is closed following a car crash.

The westbound carriageway of the M4 between junctions 12 at Theale and 13 at Chieveley is currently closed due to a single vehicle collision. The incident occurred this morning at the westbound entry slip road at junction 12.

M4 westbound carriageway between junctions 12 at Theale and 13 at Chieveley near Newbury closed following car crash

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “The road is likely to be shut for several hours so please avoid the area if you can. “Thank you for your patience.”

National Highways estimates that the event is expected to clear and normal traffic conditions are expected to return between 11.30am and 11.45am.