An 18-year-old woman has died in an M4 crash – which saw her car overturn and catch fire.
Emergency services were called to the horror scene near Chippenham, between junctions 16 and 17, at around 5.35pm on Sunday afternoon (26 April).
A red Vauhxall Corsa left the carriageway into undergrowth and overturned. The vehicle subsequently caught alight, with a smoke plume visible until about 7.50pm.
Despite the best efforts of 999 crews, an 18-year-old woman was pronounced dead.
In a statement, Wiltshire Police said: “A woman has sadly died following a single vehicle collision on the M4 between junctions 16 and 17 yesterday afternoon (26/04).
“At around 5.35pm, we responded after a Vauxhall Corsa left the carriageway and caught alight.
“The driver, an 18-year-old woman, sadly died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time.
“Please be aware that recovery of the vehicle remains ongoing.
“Lanes 1 and 2 of the M4 westbound are currently closed, however a full closure of the M4 in both directions is being put in place from around 2.30pm onwards to allow for specialist machinery to recover the vehicle.
“It is currently unknown how long this will need to remain in place. Please allow extra time for journeys.
“We are appealing for any witnesses to the collision or anyone who may have dash cam to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 quoting log number 277 of yesterday’s date. Alternatively, they can contact the team directly at [email protected].”
