Easter holiday travellers have been have again been hit by chaos with long tailbacks across the network and the M4 has been closed in both directions following an explosion at an industrial building ‘involving possibly pyrotechnics and fireworks’.
The incident took place at 1.41pm between Junction 13-14 in Westbrook, Newbury.Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue said they beliefve there are possible pyrotechnics and fireworks on the scene.
Emergency services have put a large cordon around the area, while National Highways has closed the M4 after debris was showered across both sides of the carriageway.
Fire officers asked the public to avoid the scene while they deal with the incident.
According to National Highways: ‘The M4 is closed in both directions between J13 – J14 due to a large building fire near the M4 causing debris to land in the carriageway.
‘Thames Valley Police are leading the operation and Berkshire Fire and Rescue are working to control the fire.
‘If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
Families hoping to get away on a second day of glorious sunshine were met with long queues after a crash in Surrey and a separate ‘police incident’ at the Dartford Crossing brought traffic to a standstill
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Families hoping to get away on a second day of glorious sunshine were met with long queues after a crash in Surrey and a separate ‘police incident’ at the Dartford Crossing brought traffic to a standstill
Families hoping for a UK get away on the second day of glorious sunshine were met with long queues after a crash in Surrey and a separate ‘police incident’ at the Dartford Crossing brought traffic to a standstill.
Meanwhile British Airways is reported to have stopped loading luggage on some flights and is leaving dozens of planes uncleaned as it struggles to cope with the overwhelming Easter weekend demand.
It follows hundreds of cancellations in recent weeks due to staff shortages, leaving tens of thousands of Brits stranded at airports across the UK.
A statement said: ‘We are currently on the scene of an incident on the #Dartford River Crossing.
‘We were called to concerns for the welfare of a woman in the area shortly after 10am this morning, Saturday 16 April.
‘The crossing has been closed whist the incident is being dealt with. National Highways will be facilitating a diversion through one of the tunnels.
‘We will provide an update on the situation as soon as we practically can.’
Motorists have faced a chaotic start to the Easter break, although traffic today is not believed to be as congested as the Good Friday getaway, according to the AA.
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