A fire involving a lorry trailer loaded with hay closed the westbound M4 past Swindon on Monday 3 August 2026. The carriageway was shut between junction 15 (Badbury) and junction 16 (Swindon), Wiltshire 999s reported at 12.31pm. The fire was thought to have started at around 11am.
What the agencies said
- Wiltshire Police: "Please be aware that the M4 westbound between junctions 15 and 16 is closed due to a significant lorry fire."
- Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service: "The #M4 is currently closed westbound between J15 and J16 while we deal with a fire involving a trailer of hay."
- National Highways: "Delays of 60 minutes and approx. 4 miles of congestion on approach."
How bad was the disruption?
Westbound traffic came to a standstill while crews fought the fire, and drivers reported numerous fire engines heading to the scene. The eastbound carriageway stayed open but was slow. At the time of the report the westbound side was expected to stay closed for the rest of the day, and drivers were told to find other routes.
The report does not mention any injuries.
Source: Wiltshire 999s.
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