M4 crash inquiry continues

9:30am Tuesday 26th August 2008

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THIRTEEN people were taken to hospital following a horror pile-up on the M4 near Chippenham this morning.

Four cars, three heavy goods vehicles and a single decker coach, which was out of service, were involved in the crash half-a-mile west of junction 17, near the Leigh Delamere services.

Police said a trailer unit from one of the heavy goods vehicles ploughed through the central reservation onto the opposite side of the motorway at about 1.47am.

One of the casualties was in a serious condition. All those injured were taken to either Frenchay Hospital in Bristol or the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

The crash caused chaos on the county's roads this morning, with the motorway closed in both directions.

Police said investigations are ongoing.

Damage is being assessed and the vehicles involved are awaiting recovery.

At its peak, the rescue operation involved 10 ambulances, two rapid response cars and two on-call doctors, plus five fire engines and 34 firefighters.

Thermal imaging cameras were used to locate casualties and platforms used to reach them. Firefighters used hydraulic cutting equipment to free those trapped.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward and help them with their inquiries.

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