M4 traffic: Driver dies in horror fireball crash as motorway shut for 12 hours
One driver died at the scene following a crash that caused two vehicles to catch fire on Monday night.
A driver has died following a crash on the M4 in Wales that shut parts of the motorway for more than 12 hours. The unnamed driver died after their car collided with a stationary lorry near Llanelli on Monday night, resulting in both vehicles catching fire.
Dyfed Powys Police confirmed in a statement this afternoon that the driver died at the scene, and that their next of kin has been informed.
Long queues of standstill traffic have since formed between junction 49 Pont Abraham and junction 48 Hendy, Llanelli, in Carmarthenshire, Wales Online reports.
Traffic Wales, which monitors the main routes in Wales, reported 45 minute delays at 8am, with queues developing on surrounding routes in the area and on the A48.
This live blog has now ended. Thanks for following along.
One dead following crash
Dyfed Powys Police have confirmed that a motorist has died following the Monday night crash.
In a statement released this afternoon, a spokesman said the driver of the crashed car "died on the scene".
The statement read: "Officers remain at the scene of the road traffic collision which occurred at about 11.20pm, Monday, March 18, 2024.
"A car collided with a stationary lorry on the M4 eastbound at junction 48 Hendy, resulting in both vehicles catching fire.
"Sadly the driver of the car died at the scene. Next of kin has been advised and is being supported by specialist officers.
"The M4 eastbound and westbound between junctions 48, Hendy and 49, Pont Abraham remain closed and road users are advised to avoid the area and take an alternative route if possible.
"It is anticipated that the westbound lane will open soon. The eastbound lane will remain closed until later this afternoon for recovery of the vehicles."
Map shows location of M4 delays
Traffic Wales has posted a map showing the location of current delays.
Delays '14 minutes and increasing' along M4 due to closures
The closures on the M4 have spawned long delays on the westbound section of the motorway this morning.
The AA states that delays are "14 minutes and increasing" on the stretch, with people travelling at a snail's pace.
The update notes: "Severe delays of 14 minutes and delays increasing on M4 Westbound between J47 A48 (Penllergaer / Swansea West Services) and A48 (Pont Abraham Roundabout). Average speed ten mph."
Both vehicles 'well-alight' as firefighters arrived on scene - fire service
Local fire services said the car and lorry were both "well alight" when they arrived to extinguish the flames.
Wales Online has reported that crews from Pontarddulais and Tumble attended the M4 eastbound at junction 48 at 11.21pm.
A statement said: "Both vehicles were well alight on crews’ arrival and crews utilised one breathing apparatus set and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fires."
The statement added: "Crews also utilised scene lighting and absorbent granules."
Fire on M4 after car collided with lorry - local police
Local police have confirmed the massive traffic jams followed an incident in which a car collided with a lorry at junction 48.
Dyfed-Powys Police said a car and stationary lorry caught fire on the road, and that the stretch will remain closed into the afternoon.
The spokesman said: "Dyfed-Powys Police is in attendance at a road traffic collision which occurred at about 11.20pm, Monday 18th March 2024.
"A car collided with a stationary lorry on the M4 eastbound at junction 48 Hendy, resulting in both vehicles being on fire.
"The M4 eastbound and westbound between junctions 48, Hendy and 49, Pont Abraham remain closed and road users are advised to avoid the area and take an alternative route if possible.
"It is anticipated that the road will remain closed until later this afternoon."
Traffic Wales issues latest update
Now, nearly 10 hours after the incident was initially reported, the road remains closed.
Traffic Wales states that delays are between 10 minutes and 45 minutes "in various locations".
The update states: "Westbound J48 Hendy - J49 Pont Abraham - Road remains closed in both directions.
"Delays are still showing between 10 minutes - 45 minutes in various locations within the alternative routes. Thank you for your cooperation at this time."
Westbound delays on M4 westbound stretch to 78 minutes
While traffic on the M4 eastbound is speeding up, the AA reports a much different situation for the westbound stretch.
The service has said that delays are now up to 78 minutes on the motorway.
The AA states: "Severe delays of 78 minutes on M4 Westbound between J45 A4067 (Ynysforgan) and J48 A4138 Pontardulais Road (Hendy/Llanelli). Average speed five mph."
Delays just seven minutes on M4 eastbound - AA
The AA states that delays have reduced to just five minutes on some parts of the M4 near Llanelli.
The organisation said: "Delays of six minutes on A48 Eastbound between A48 and M4 (Pont Abraham Roundabout). Average speed ten mph."
Emergency services attend 'multi-vehicle incident'
Welsh Ambulance crews were sent to attend an incident on the M4 on Monday night, the service has said.
In a statement, a Welsh Ambulance spokesman said an ambulance and hazardous area response team were sent to the area.
The spokesman said: "We were called yesterday (18 March), at approximately 11.29pm, to reports of a multi vehicle road traffic collision on the eastbound side of the M4 motorway near Hendy.
“We sent two Cymru High Acuity Response Units, one operations manager, one emergency ambulance and a Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.”
Allow additional time for travel - Traffic Wales
Traffic Wales has told motorists to allow extra time for their journeys this morning.
The organisation said: "Road continues to remain closed.
"Busy in the area delays showing as approximately 45 minutes in the surrounding areas.
"Please allow additional time for travel and thank you for your patience."
Welcome to our live blog
We'll be bringing you all the latest updates on the chaos on the M4 this morning.
The motorway remains closed in both directions between junctions 49 and 48.
More to follow.
