Reading man arrested after lorry collision M4 westbound Newbury to Hungerford
Arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving while above the legal alcohol level
A READING man has been arrested following a collision on the M4 westbound between Newbury and Hungerford during the early hours of this morning (Thurs).
According to Thames Valley Police (TVP) a 37-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving while above the legal alcohol level and is currently in custody.
The M4 westbound between Hungerford and Newbury has been re-opened following a collision involving two lorries during the early hours of this morning, resulting in severe traffic problems in the surrounding local area.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) is appealing for witnesses to the collision, which occurred at around 2.38am this morning.
The westbound carriageway of the M4 between junctions 13 (Newbury) and 14 (Hungerford) was re-opened at approximately 11.30am and earlier than anticipated.
Highways England earlier estimated the carriageway would re-open this afternoon.
The westbound carriageway had been closed for several hours, resulting in severe traffic problems and congestion both on the motorway and on other main roads in the surrounding local area, including the A339 and A4, which were gridlocked during this morning's commute.
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) spokesman, David Gallagher said they were called at 2.50am after reports of a collision involving two lorries and the central reservation and sent a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance to the scene.
One lorry driver was taken to the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, complaining of chest pain.
The second lorry driver was uninjured.
Investigating Officer, Sgt Tony Griffiths of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: "We are appealing for anyone who was travelling on the M4 in either direction this morning between the times of 2.30am and 3am near to junctions 13 and 14 of the M4 westbound to come forward as they may have information to help us with our investigation.
"We would ask anyone who has witnessed the collision, or who may have seen anything prior to or immediately after the collision to contact us via 101 quoting the reference 99 08/12/16. "
Two fire engines from Newbury, a third from Reading and a heavy rescue unit from Reading were called at 3am to the M4 westbound between junctions 13 and 14.
Firefighters assisted paramedics to remove one of the drivers before leaving the scene at around 4am.
PHOTOGRAPH ROYAL BERKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE