M4 Motorway Closed Between Swindon and Newbury After Serious Incident

The M4 eastbound between Swindon and Newbury has been shut following a serious incident near Membury Services. Emergency services are responding to the collision, with significant traffic disruption affecting the region. The closure began before 9am and has triggered widespread delays across both carriageways.

Incident Details and Response

Thames Valley Police confirmed the eastbound carriageway closure between junction 15 and junction 14, with the incident occurring near Membury Services. A police spokesperson stated that emergency services remain actively engaged at the scene, while traffic on the westbound carriageway is also experiencing congestion as a result of the incident's impact on the wider motorway network.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported distressing conditions. One passerby described the incident to local authorities as a "truly horrific scene," adding that they encountered the situation before emergency personnel had arrived. The witness noted being "totally shaken" by what they observed, indicating the severity of the collision.

Traffic Disruption and Alternative Routes

Eastbound traffic is being diverted northbound onto the A419 and southbound towards Marlborough, both routes now experiencing significant congestion due to the volume of redirected vehicles. Authorities have urged motorists to avoid the M4 eastbound where possible and to consider using alternative routes while emergency services conduct their response and investigation work at the scene.

Wiltshire Police confirmed that Thames Valley Police is leading the emergency response operation. Authorities have requested that the public refrain from speculating about the incident's causes, stating that further information will be released as it becomes available.