Motorway Closure Following Lorry Collision
A section of the M4 motorway in Berkshire is anticipated to remain closed for several hours after a collision involving two lorries resulted in prosecco being spilled across the carriageway.
One heavy goods vehicle (HGV) had its empty shipping container knocked sideways, while the other, transporting 20 tonnes of Italian white wine, sustained damage on one side. This caused broken glass bottles and wine to scatter across the westbound carriageway.
The incident occurred between junction 13, the Chieveley Interchange, and junction 14 for Hungerford, at approximately 07:30 BST. One individual sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash.
Police and Emergency Response
Thames Valley Police described the scene with a touch of humor, stating:
"Not quite the roadside refreshment anyone had in mind."
The westbound carriageway has been closed to facilitate vehicle recovery, with diversions implemented to manage traffic flow.
Authorities have indicated that the recovery operation is expected to be "prolonged and complex," noting that one of the lorries was "partially lifted off the ground." National Highways confirmed that their traffic officers are present to assist with traffic management.
"One of [the lorries] has had its trailer detach from the cab. The trailer is on top of the nearside barrier and there is a significant amount of debris in the carriageway,"
they added, emphasizing that the road closure will continue for several hours due to the "protracted recovery and clean up works."
Fire Service Involvement
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service dispatched crews from Newbury, Theale, and Caversham Road fire stations to the scene.
"No people were trapped but firefighters provided immediate emergency care to one person with minor injuries,"
the service reported. Firefighters remained on site for approximately one hour and ten minutes before handing over operations to National Highways.
"The road is likely to remain closed for some time while a shipping container is recovered."
