An abandoned car caused a crash on the M4 before the driver was run over nearby.
Emergency services were first called to the eastbound carriageway near Leigh Delamere Services at around 7.30pm yesterday (Thursday, 6 March).
An empty, unlit green Vauxhall Corsa was reported to be stationary in a live lane – before it was struck by a Ford Transit. The three occupants of the van were injured.
Around half an hour later, at 8.03pm, a man – who police say was wearing dark clothing – was struck by a Skoda Citigo more than half a mile away, on the westbound entrance slip-road to the services.
He sustained significant injuries, and was treated in the road for over an hour. Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance medics could be seen providing life-saving care.
The man was taken into a land ambulance at 9.20pm and rushed to the Major Trauma Centre at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he remains.
“We believe this man had been driving the Corsa and crossed the motorway on foot”, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said.
They added: “He remains in hospital with serious injuries.
“The road has reopened and our investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“Anyone who witnessed, or has dashcam footage of, the westbound collision is asked to contact Wiltshire’s serious collision investigation team on 01225 694597 quoting log 269 of 06/03.
“Alternatively, email the team directly at [email protected].”
A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: “We were called to the M4 eastbound between J18 and J17 at 7.43pm last night (6 March) following a collision between a van and a car.
“Four fire crews attended, one from Chippenham and three from Avon FRS (Yate, Temple Back and Bath).
“Firefighters supported emergency service partners with casualty care and scene safety, and our stop was at 10.34pm.”
