M4 Crashes Near Swindon Clearing Up
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At 07:00 GMT on Monday, 26th November, there was a crash involving several cars on the M4 around the westbound carriageway near Swindon and Chippenham with lines of traffic stretching 15 miles. The exact number of involved cars is unclear, as reports suggest eight cars were involved, while eyewitness accounts have suggested as many as ten. There was also another crash between junction 15 and 14 (also near Swindon).
This meant that people travelling eastbound and westbound experienced delays of up to a few hours due to traffic. The eastbound crash (between J14 and J15) was cleared sooner than the westbound one, being cleared at roughly 07:50 am. Regardless, Highways England conveyed that the delays would last for at least another hour.
There was a lorry carrying hay in the area that ended up stuck in a ditch as a result of the accident. Tragically, the driver of this hay lorry succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. Additionally, there was another lorry carrying nails and screws. This load was dispersed along the road due to the accident. The potential danger caused by the scattered nails and screws was a big factor in why the delays were as long as they were.
At the time of the incident, Highways England came out to reassure the public that the matter would be resolved and that the nails (and other debris) would be cleared. They also issued statements about how the traffic is being diverted through other routes. Road users were also advised to consider other routes and factor in additional time into their journey.
Many of those trapped in the traffic jam took to social media, specifically Twitter, to share their experiences. Some were relaying concern for the injured parties and thanking the authorities for stepping in. Others were primarily concerned about getting the traffic to move, relaying their frustration at the slow pace. Others still tried to maintain a positive outlook on the situation, trying to focus on the pleasant scenery (sans the accident).
Reports have also indicated that all parties involved in the crash have minor injuries. At this present moment in time, the lanes of the M4 have been opened. Though the clean-up is still on-going, the Trowbridge Fire Station has shared pictures on Twitter of the nails being collected from the lanes. According to Highways England, the Wiltshire Police was also present and assisting in efforts to collect the nails.
There was only one lane left closed by 11:30 am, though traffic continued to move very slowly.