A crash involving a lorry has shut the M4 in Wiltshire – with drivers stuck for hours.
Emergency services were called to a road traffic collision on the motorway between junctions 16 and 17 in the early hours of this morning (Thursday).
The collision happened at around 2.11am on the westbound carriageway, between junction 16 near Swindon and junction 17 near Chippenham.
National Highways said an HGV travelling westbound collided with the central reservation, causing extensive damage to around 300 metres of barrier.
The lorry came to rest within the central reservation, with its final position also forcing the closure of lane three on the eastbound carriageway.
A significant diesel spillage stretches for at least 100 metres across the westbound carriageway.
More than a mile of traffic is caught within the closure, with some motorists having been stuck for several hours.
One motorist told Wiltshire 999s that they have been at a standstill since around 2.45am.
Police, supported by National Highways traffic officers, are due to begin turning trapped vehicles around from the rear of the queue.
Recovery crews are now at the scene for the HGV.
The eastbound carriageway has reopened, although lane three remains closed due to the position of the lorry.
National Highways said the westbound carriageway is likely to remain closed into the morning peak due to the extent of the barrier damage and diesel contamination.
Wiltshire Police are leading the response to the incident and confirmed there are no reported injuries.
In an earlier statement, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Please be aware that the M4 is currently closed in both directions, between junction 16 and 17, due to a road traffic collision.
“A heavy goods vehicle has struck the central reservaton and debris is blocking both carriageways.
“There are no reported injuries.
“Please seek alternative routes and expect delays in the area.”
