M4 lorry crash, Berkshire: motorway covered in Prosecco

The M4 westbound between J13 (Newbury) and J14 (Hungerford) is closed as clean-up operations continue after two lorries collided this morning (Monday, April 27). One of the lorries was carrying an empty shipping container, which was knocked off. The second lorry was carrying 20 tonnes of Lovello Prosecco, which is now "spread across the carriageway, leaving significant debris and smashed glass", according to police.

Pictures shared by Thames Valley Police's roads policing team show the wreck of the lorry with the empty container and the side of the Prosecco lorry ripped open, with bottles of fizz tumbling from shredded cardboard shipping boxes. Two lanes are seemingly covered in spilt Prosecco. Police said one driver has been placed under investigation for dangerous driving, with "early indications suggesting mobile phone use at the wheel".

One of the lorries was carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco (Image: TVP) One of the lorries was carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco (Image: TVP) One of the lorries was carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco (Image: TVP)

One of the lorries was carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco (Image: TVP) One of the lorries was carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco (Image: TVP) One of the lorries was carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco (Image: TVP)

One of the lorries was carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco (Image: TVP) One of the drivers suffered minor injuries. The incident has caused severe disruption, with the westbound motorway having been closed since before 9am this morning and quickly developing traffic tailbacks several miles long.

Thames Valley Police warned that the operation to clear the motorway will be "prolonged and complex" and drivers are being diverted.

The force reminded drivers not to use their phones while driving: "Using your phone at the wheel doesn't just risk [license] points - it risks lives...

"Not quite the roadside refreshment anyone had in mind..."