A MAJOR motorway has been forced to close after a lorry carrying hay caught fire – sparking travel chaos for rush-hour commuters.
Motorists travelling on the M4 near Slough, Berkshire, have been warned of major delays as plumes of smoke continue to rise over the busy route.
Emergency services have been scrambled to the burning HGV, located between Junction 6, for Slough, and Junction 8/9, for Maidenhead.
Westbound traffic has ground to a halt as crews attempt to dampen the fire and clear the area.
Drivers have been urged to avoid the route or allow extra journey time when travelling.
It comes as snow and icy conditions forced drivers to abandon their cars across the north of England.
Roads have been forced to shut and villages have been left stranded as the icy plunge continues.
National Highways confirmed the HGV had been carrying hay at the time of the fire.
It said: “The M4 in Berkshire is closed westbound between J6 (Slough) and J8/9 (Maidenhead), due to an HGV fire.
“The HGV was carrying hay so fire crews will need to dampen down the load to ensure that it does not re-ignite.
“Service providers are on scene with a grab lorry to assist in removing the barrels from the trailer.
“This is to help prevent the fire spreading to unaffected barrels and to support efforts to extinguish those already alight.
“National Highways have resources in attendance to assist with traffic management.”
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services said firefighters were still at the scene as they battle the blaze.
The service said “At 3:59pm we received reports of a vehicle fire on the westbound carriageway of the M4 between Junctions 7 and 8.9.
“Crews from Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor fire stations were sent to the scene alongside a water bowser from Bracknell Fire Station.
“Upon arrival, crews discovered a lorry on fire. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus are using two hose reels to extinguish the fire.
“Crews remain at the scene at this time. Please find an alternate route and avoid the area if possible.”
A diversion is currently in place, with National Highways urging traffic to follow the hollow square diversion symbol.
Diversion details – westbound traffic
Diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol
- Exit the M4 at J6, on to the A355 southbound and then the A332
- At the roundabout with the A308, take the 3rd exit on to the A308 towards Maidenhead
- At Braywick Roundabout, take the 2nd exit on to the A308(M) and rejoin the M4 westbound at Holyport Interchange
Two lanes on the M25 are also closed after a collision on the busy route this evening.
Rush-hour commuters have been warned of seven miles of traffic, with up to 90-minute delays.
Further travel chaos is expected tonight with temperatures expected to drop to a brutal -11C.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for snow and multiple yellow warnings for ice across the UK as temperatures continue to plunge.
The forecaster has warned of snow and ice across the north of Scotland overnight, lasting until 11am tomorrow.
Travel could be disrupted and there is an increased risk of injuries while walking on the ice, it added.
Last night, motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles and villages were cut off following heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures.
