M4 traffic LIVE: Chaos as HGV catches fire and motorway closed

A lorry fire has caused chaos on the M4 with two lanes on the M4 westbound entry slip shut. The closure prompted delays, with normal traffic conditions[1] not expected before 7pm tonight, according to National Highways. The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were responding to a fire in the area with images from the scene showing firefighters tackling the blaze on the the huge HGV.

19:17KEY EVENT

New images from the scene

The lorry on fire on the M419:05Sam Elliott-Gibbs

More details about the fire

According to the National Highways, the lorry was carrying hay so fire crews will need to dampen down the load to ensure that it does not re-ignite.

It further said: "Service providers are on scene with a grab lorry to assist in removing the barrels from the trailer. This is to help prevent the fire spreading to unaffected barrels and to support efforts to extinguish those already alight."

18:25Sam Elliott-Gibbs

What part of the motorway is closed?

The M4 westbound between junction 6, at Slough, and junctions 8 and 9 at Maidenhead were shut on Thursday afternoon. The stretch has been closed since about 16:00 GMT.

A spokesperson from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Slough, Maidenhead, Bracknell and Windsor remain at the scene.

18:15KEY EVENT

Driver face 60-minute delay

The National Highways confirmed that there is a delay of up to 60 minutes due to the fire. The incident occured on the M4 near Windsor. Diversions are in place.

Two lanes on the M4 westbound entry slip at junction 6 were shut down this afternoon following an incident.

18:02Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Fire service statement

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services have confirmed firefighters continue to battle the flames. "At 3:59pm on Thursday, 20 November, we received reports of a vehicle fire on the westbound carriageway of the M4 between Junctions 7 and 8.9. "Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor fire stations were sent to the scene alongside a water bowser from Bracknell Fire Station.

"Upon arrival, crews discovered a lorry on fire. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus are using two hose reels to extinguish the fire. "Crews remain at the scene at this time.

Please find an alternate route and avoid the area if possible."

17:54Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Diversion route in place

Motorists are advised to follow a diversion route put in place following the closure. Exit the M4 at J6, on to the A355 southbound and then the A332 At the roundabout with the A308, take the 3rd exit on to the A308 towards Maidenhead At Braywick Roundabout, take the 2nd exit on to the A308(M) and rejoin the M4 westbound at Holyport Interchange

17:45KEY EVENT

National Highways update

In a statement, the National Highways said: "The M4 in Berkshire is closed westbound between J6 (Slough) and J8/9 (Maidenhead), due to an HGV fire. "Fire crews are on scene.

National Highways have resources in attendance to assist with traffic management."

References

1. ^ traffic conditions (www.mirror.co.uk)