M4 Shutdown: Major Crash Sparks Emergency Airlift Near Reading
A serious smash on the M4 motorway near Reading has brought traffic to a grinding halt this afternoon (Sunday, May 11). Emergency teams, including multiple air ambulances, scrambled to the scene after a car overturned on a slip road between Junction 11 (Reading) and Junction 10 (Wokingham/A329M).
Full M4 Closure as Air Ambulances Land
The crash forced a complete shutdown of the M4 in both directions, with roads held to allow helicopters to touch down directly on the motorway. National Highways confirmed that two more air ambulances were en route shortly after 4pm.
“This is a very serious incident involving serious injury. The road is expected to remain closed for some time,” said a National Highways spokesperson.
Thames Valley Police urged motorists to avoid the area altogether, warning delays will stretch well into the evening.
Chaos on the Roads: Delays, Breakdowns & More
Queues quickly built, with delays topping 50 minutes and congestion stretching over three miles. The tailbacks have clogged up surrounding diversion routes, where several vehicle breakdowns are piling on the misery.
On top of the main crash, a separate vehicle fire between Junction 7 and 8 westbound added to the carnage. Police also halted traffic briefly further west between Junction 15 and 16 due to ongoing operations.
Areas Hit and Travel Tips
- J11 to J10: Full closure both ways
- J8 to J9 westbound: Heavy congestion from breakdowns
- J7 to J8 westbound: Vehicle fire reported
- J15 to J16 westbound: Brief closure due to police activity
Drivers are urged to follow diversion signs, steer clear of the M4 if possible, and check live updates via National Highways and local radio.
Air Ambulance Confirms Critical Response
A Thames Valley Air Ambulance spokesperson told Metro,
“We can confirm that our helicopter and a critical care response vehicle were dispatched to provide advanced critical care at an incident on the M4 today.”
While the condition of those hurt remains unconfirmed, early reports suggest at least one person suffered serious injuries.
Police Hunt for Witnesses
Thames Valley Police are appealing for dashcam footage or witnesses who saw the crash or the vehicle involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 immediately.
