M4: Delays off Prince of Wales bridge after serious crash involving 'a number of casualties'

The accident involving two vehicles happened shortly before midnight (17th July) Credit: Traffic Wales

There are significant delays in Cardiff and Newport following the closure of a section of the M4 after a crash overnight.

The incident, which happened shortly before midnight, involved two vehicles.

Police say there have been "a number of casualties".

There are reports a vehicle has overturned.

The road is shut eastbound between junction 22 from the Prince of Wales Bridge and junction 21, the turnoff for the M48.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Emergency services were called to a two-vehicle collision on M4 eastbound between junctions 22 (M49) and 21 (M48) at approximately 12.05am this morning (Monday 17 July).

"Officers arriving at the scene found both vehicles had left the carriageway, and a number of casualties.

"The road remains shut eastbound, with National Highways advising it'll be closed throughout the morning's rush hour.

"A diversion route is in place via the M49 and M5 while recovery work and investigation work is carried out."

Gwent Police confirmed they were also involved in responding to the incident.

There was severe traffic past Newport and Magor on Monday morning Credit: Google Maps

Although delays have reduced on Monday morning, it is still estimated journeys will take nearly an hour longer than normal.

Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to leave more time for their journey, using the M48 instead of the M4.

There are also still long delays along the M48 as traffic attempts to avoid the queues.

Traffic is also beginning to queue on most roads around Chepstow as drivers try to avoid the closure.

A car has broken down on the same stretch of the road going in the opposite direction, westbound. As a result one lane has been shut and traffic is slow travelling towards Wales.

Police are asking for witnesses to come forward if they saw the collision or have any dashcam footage. They are asking motorists to call 101 and quote the reference number 5223170366.

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