Overturned horse trailer closes M4 lanes

Crew manager Jon Murby, of White Watch at Dee Road Fire Station, Tilehurst, said five fire engines were called at 6.30pm to the scene between junctions 14 and 13 of the M4 eastbound, including from Lambourn, Hungerford, Newbury, the heavy rescue crew from Tilehurst and animal rescue crew from Caversham Road, Reading.
“The trailer went on its side - and the two horses inside, which were both in foal, also went on their side,” said Mr Murby, adding the horses remained in the trailer.
The M4 eastbound was closed for a time, to ensure the safety of the animals.
One lane (eastbound) was re-opened for a short period, but then closed again, after a vet arrived at the scene and whilst the horses were transferred to a replacement horsebox.
“The vet made a small stitch to a cut on one of their legs, but he seemed to think they were absolutely fine,” said Mr Murby, who said initially the horses were “A bit shaken,” he said, following the accident.
The horses, one black and one brown, he continued, were about nine years old and used to vehicles and being handled.
The eastbound lanes were opened shortly afterwards and firefighters left the scene at 9pm.
Police were also in attendance.