Two men killed in separate M4 crashes
Police have described the Wiltshire collisions as "truly tragic".
Last updated 24th Sep 2020
Two men have died in two isolated collisions on the M4 in Wiltshire overnight.
The crashes meant the motorway was shut in both directions between Chippenham and Bath, causing major delays for several hours.
The first collision took place just after 1:30 GMT on the Eastbound carriageway.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene - another was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with life-threatening head injuries.
A car, van and two lorries collided Westbound two hours later - also between Junction 17 and 18.
Again, one man died at the scene - two others were also taken to Southmead Hospital.
Fire crews were called, as one of the lorries was carrying propane gas canisters which leaked.
The Eastbound carriageway of the M4 re-opened at around 13:00 GMT - the Westbound stretch was cleared four hours later.
'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims'
Superintendent Phil Staynings from Wiltshire Police said: "We had to respond to two truly tragic incidents this morning and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims.
“This is a complex incident that put huge pressure on all of the emergency services this morning and will continue to take a considerable amount of time to investigate thoroughly.
“We appreciate the public’s patience on this ... we are working closely with Highways England to ensure we can have the road back open when it is appropriate to do so".
Highways England has since confirmed a full investigation is underway.
The South Western Ambulance Service sent an air ambulance, land ambulances and specialist paramedic teams to both incidents.
Any witnesses, or those with dash-cam footage of either crash, are now being urged to call police on 101.