Driver dies after car and lorry fire that has closed motorway in both directions

A driver has died in an accident involving a car and a lorry on the M4. The motorway was closed in both directions for more than 15 hours. The affected section was between junction 49 Pont Abraham and junction 48 Hendy, Llanelli, in Carmarthenshire.

Dyfed Powys Police said just after 1.15pm that officers remain at the scene of the crash that happened at about 11.20pm on Monday (March 18). A statement from the force said that a car collided with a stationary lorry on the M4 eastbound at junction 48 Hendy, resulting in both vehicles catching fire.

A spokesperson added: "Sadly the driver of the car died at the scene. Next of kin has been advised and is being supported by specialist officers."

The M4 eastbound and westbound between junctions 48, Hendy and 49, Pont Abraham were closed and road users were advised to avoid the area and take an alternative route if possible. The westbound lane re-opened at 2.17pm, while the eastbound lane was opened around 2.40pm after the vehicles were recovered from the scene.

There were delays on surrounding routes in the area and on the A48 and the A484 in Llanelli. A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called yesterday (18 March), at approximately 11.29pm, to reports of a multi vehicle road traffic collision on the eastbound side of the M4 motorway near Hendy."