News Beat
M4 closed after car crashes off motorway as drivers left trapped and facing long delays
A MAJOR motorway has closed after a horror smash forced a car off the road in the early hours.
Motorists travelling on the M4 near Chippenham, Wiltshire, have been warned of major delays into this afternoon.
Cops received reports of a “serious collision” at around 2am this morning.
Emergency crews were then scrambled to the scene between Junction 17, for Chippenham, and Junction 18, for Bath.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and South West Ambulance Service were in attendance.
Traffic officers are currently turning drivers around at the rear of the queue, with delays expected until this afternoon.
National Highways confirmed a car was sent off the eastbound carriageway during the crash.
It said: “At around 02:00 Wiltshire Police responded to a serious single vehicle collision involving a car which has left the eastbound carriageway near Leigh Delamere services.
“The carriageway has been closed to allow Wiltshire Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and South West Ambulance Service to work at the scene of the collision.
“Traffic Officers are on scene and are assisting the emergency services response by providing traffic management at both the scene and J18.
“Traffic Officers are also assisting those caught within the closure by turned traffic and releasing it via the rear of the queue.
“Early indication suggest the closure will remain in place throughout this morning and into the afternoon.”
