Two dead following M4 Wiltshire collisions
Two separate incidents between J17 and J18 happened in the early hours of this morning (24th September).
Last updated 24th Sep 2020
Wiltshire Police have confirmed that two men have passed away at the scene of the collisions, with a number of other injured.
The first crash happened on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 17 and 18 at around 1.30am, with a single car involved.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while another man suffered life-threatening head injuries.
He was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
At around 3.30am, on the westbound side, another collision was reported between two articulated lorries, a car and a van.
One man died at the scene, with two men taken to Southmead Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Paramedics also treated a fourth patient at the scene.
Firefighters were also called out, to make safe some propane canisters on one of the vehicles involved which were leaking.
Superintendent Phil Staynings from Wiltshire Police said:
“We had to respond to two truly tragic incidents this morning and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims.
“This is a complex incident that put huge pressure on all of the emergency services this morning and will continue to take a considerable amount of time to investigate thoroughly.
“We appreciate the public’s patience on this regarding the closure of the M4 and we are working closely with Highways England to ensure we can have the road back open when it is appropriate to do so.
“I would like to take this chance to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or may have been driving along this stretch of M4 at the same time and could have dash cam footage that could prove helpful to our investigations to please contact us on 101.”
Anyone with information can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ROAD NOW FULLY REOPENED
The M4 in Wiltshire has been affected in both directions between J17 and J18 for most of the day.
Wiltshire Police have said the eastbound carriageway reopened at around midday.
The westbound carriageway has also now opened up again (as of 5.40pm).
Highways England Regional Operations Manager, Izzy Evans, said:
“We would like to thank drivers for their patience throughout today. We have been working hard with the police during these difficult incidents and having recovered the vehicles safely reopened the M4. It is likely there will still be some congestion into the evening and I would advise anyone wishing to use the M4 to plan their journeys and allow additional time if needed.”