Overview: M4 closure disrupts rush hour near Slough
Traffic snarls unfolded on the M4 near Slough, Berkshire, after a heavy goods vehicle carrying hay caught fire during the rush hour. The blaze led to a full closure of the motorway in the area, with plumes of smoke visible for miles and motorists facing long delays as emergency services tackled the scene. The incident coincided with wintry conditions that left some cars stranded and made driving conditions more challenging for those trying to reach work or travel home.
The incident and immediate response
Emergency crews were called to the scene on the M4, where a lorry transporting hay caught fire. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby vehicles or the embankment. As a precaution, police closed the M4 in both directions, creating a bottleneck that affected countless rush-hour journeys. Local routes and alternate corridors were put under strain as drivers sought detours.
Weather complicates travel
The disruption arrived amid wintry conditions, with snow common across parts of Berkshire and neighboring counties. Snow accumulation can reduce visibility and road grip, forcing authorities to extend closures and slow the pace of recovery work. For motorists, that meant more time stuck in queues and increased fuel consumption, as well as the risk of secondary incidents on surrounding roads.
<h2 Impacts on commuters and freight
Rush-hour travellers attempting to pass through the area faced significant delays, while those with early morning plans or late transports felt the knock-on effects well after the initial shutdown. Freight traffic associated with the hay lorry faced alternative routing or delays, impacting supply chains and potentially contributing to shortages for regional businesses — particularly if the closure persisted for several hours.
<h2 Recovery, detours, and updates
Authorities advised drivers to avoid the area if possible and to consider alternate routes. Local road networks were being monitored for congestion, with updates provided through official channels as the situation evolved. As crews battled the fire and cleared debris, engineers and traffic managers worked to reopen the M4 safely and efficiently, prioritizing the least disruptive path for motorists.
<h2 What drivers should know
Anyone traveling in the region should expect continued delays until a full reopening is confirmed. Motorists are urged to follow live traffic updates, adhere to signage for detours, and keep a safe distance from emergency operations. Once the scene is cleared, the recovery process will begin, potentially with residual congestion as drivers filter back to normal routes.
<h2 Looking ahead
Incidents like this underscore the importance of adaptive planning during winter travel. Authorities will likely review incident response times, traffic management strategies, and messaging to minimize interruption in future events. For affected drivers, this episode serves as a reminder to pack essentials for winter journeys and to prepare contingency plans when major motorways face closures.
