M4 likely to remain closed overnight after driver dies when lorry overturns

Closure affecting M4 junctions 13 to 11 eastbound and one westbound lane

Motorists who endured a miserable start to the day look like they are in for an equally trying trip home as the eastbound M4 is set to remain closed overnight (Wed/Thurs) following this morning's fatal lorry crash.

The lorry overturned on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 12 and 11 near Reading Services at 4.50am and crashed through the central reservation. The crash, which resulted in the death of the 49 year old lorry driver from Essex, prompted the closure of all but one of the motorway’s six lanes.

The closure, which was later extended to include junction 13 at Chieveley sparked traffic tailbacks, at times more than seven miles long, and problems not only on the M4 but also in many towns across Berkshire.

There have been severe repercussions on local traffic and roads throughout the day, delaying rush hour commuters, and also other motorists using other major routes in the area, including the A4/Bath Road and A34.

Originally, Highways England said it hoped to re-open the motorway at 3pm today (Wednesday) but it has since issued the following statement:

"The eastbound M4 is closed between junction 13 (Chieveley) and junction 11 (Reading) due to a serious traffic incident and is likely to remain in place through to early morning (Thursday)."

"The outside lane on the westbound carriageway also remains closed past the scene."

The lorry shed a load of car engines across the carriageway, (pictured below) with a clean up, repairs to the central reservation and the carriageway surface all necessary before the M4 can be re-opened.

Any witnesses/anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police on the non-emergency telephone number, 101.

Please quote reference 124 11/05/16 when contacting the police.

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Photographs Thames Valley Traffic Police