M4 blaze: Westbound motorway closed after lorry carrying hay bales catches fire

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is on scene tackling a blaze involving a lorry carrying hay bales Credit: National Highways

The westbound carriageway of the M4 motorway has been closed near Bristol on Wednesday 24 April.

A lorry carrying hay caught fire shortly after 4.30pm, according to the traffic monitoring site Inrix.

The M4 westbound is closed between junction 18 for the A46, Bath and Tormarton, to junction 19 for the M32, Bristol.

There are long delays stretching away from the scene.

Credit: National Highways

The latest log from Inrix says: "M4 Westbound closed, severe delays due to lorry fire from J18 A46 (Bath / Tormarton ) to J19 M32 (Bristol).

"Congestion to routes through Wick as traffic diverts away.

"Fire services are still trying to put the fire out due to the lorry carrying hay bales, camera shows trapped traffic is in the process of being turned around as has been held since around 16:35, The road closed around 16:40."

Firefighters leave the scene just after 9:30pm

Avon and Fire Search and Rescue Service said: "With no remaining hotspots, crews have left the scene in the hands of [National Highways South West]."

Traffic within the closure released but drivers warned of delays of up to 80 minutes

Fire crews remain at the scene

Inrix reports: Fire services are still trying to put the fire out due to the lorry carrying hay bales, trapped traffic is still being turned around due to the length of the queue."

Bus services affected

Pictures from the scene

National Highways said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Traffic is currently held westbound #M4 J18 to #J19 (#M32)."This is due to a lorry fire. The fire service is on scene dealing and National Highways Traffic Officers are assisting with traffic management. Expect long delays."

Diversion in place

Road users travelling westbound are advised to follow the below diversion, which is not symbol led:

  • Exit the M4 at J18 onto the A46 headed southbound and continue for approx. 3.5 miles.

  • At the A420/A46 junction, take the A420 headed westbound and continue for approx. 5 miles.

  • At the A4174/A420 junction, take the A4174 headed northbound and continue for approx. 5.5 miles to the M32 J1 roundabout.

  • Take the M32 northbound and re-join the M4 at J19.

Updates to follow.