A MAJOR UK motorway has been forced to close after a horror smash in the early hours – sparking rush hour chaos.
Cops are investigating the “serious collision” on the M4 near Reading, Berkshire, this morning, with the road set to remain shut for hours.
Emergency services, including ambulance crews, were scrambled to the crash just after 4am.
The road has since remained closed between Junction 10, for Reading, and Junction 11, for Basingstoke.
Thames Valley Police is leading the response alongside traffic officers.
National Highways has urged commuters to avoid the busy stretch, with the route expected to be closed for hours.
It said: “The M4 westbound in Berkshire is closed between J10 Winnersh Interchange, Wokingham, Bracknell and J11 Three Mile Cross Interchange.
“The road is closed due to a serious collision. Thames Valley Police and leading the incident response.
“South Central Ambulance Service and National Highways Traffic Officers are also attending.”
A diversion is currently in place, with commuters urged to follow the hollow square symbol on road signs.
M4 westbound diversion
Traffic should exit at J10 and follow the route marked with a hollow square symbol on local road signs:
- Leave M4 at J10 and join the A329(M) towards Reading
- Leave the A329(M) at the Winnersh.
- Join the A329 and turn left at the Roundabout adjacent to the railway bridge.
- Join the B3270 and follow to M4 J11 Roundabout.
- Join M4 westbound from the third exit.
National Highways urged drivers to keep updated on its website and on social media.
It comes after a day of travel chaos plagued the nation yesterday.
The M6 was forced to close after a “serious collision” just before midnight.
Hours later, the M60 also ground to a halt in Greater Manchester – between junction 25 and junction 26 near Stockport.
