Home World USA Latin America Europe Asia Africa TV Shows Showbiz Travel Lifestyle Opinion Science Politics Health Sports Tech Entertainment Business
Europe August 3, 2026

Motorway Traffic Disrupted as Hay-Laden Lorry Catches Fire

Motorway Traffic Disrupted as Hay-Laden Lorry Catches Fire

The M4 highway has been closed westbound near Swindon after a lorry carrying hay caught fire, prompting a major emergency response.

According to reports, the charred remains of the HGV were visible after the incident, and traffic is building in the area.

A major emergency response is underway to deal with the fire, which is currently being contained.

The M4 has been closed westbound near Swindon after a lorry carrying hay caught fire, prompting a major emergency response and causing long delays for motorists. Emergency services were called to the incident between Junction 15 (Badbury) and Junction 16 (Swindon) at around 11am on Monday (3 August). Multiple fire engines and other emergency vehicles rushed to the scene as crews tackled what has been described as a significant lorry fire involving a trailer loaded with hay. Westbound Carriageway Closed The westbound carriageway remains closed, while the eastbound side is open but experiencing slow-moving traffic due to the incident. Wiltshire Police urged drivers to avoid the area, saying: "Please be aware that the M4 westbound between junctions 15 and 16 is closed due to a significant lorry fire. "Please find alternate routes." Firefighters Tackling Blaze Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue the fire involves a trailer carrying hay. The service said: "The #M4 is currently closed westbound between J15 and J16 while we deal with a fire involving a trailer of hay." Fire crews remain at the scene working to extinguish the blaze and make the area safe. ?? Long Delays Expected National Highways warned motorists to expect significant delays while emergency services deal with the incident. A spokesperson said: "The M4 has closed westbound between J15 Badbury and J16 Swindon due to a HGV fire. "Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are leading the response at the scene. "Delays of 60 minutes and approximately four miles of congestion on approach. Please allow extra time if you're travelling in the area." Drivers are advised to avoid the route where possible and follow diversion signs until the motorway is reopened.

Meanwhile, a separate incident occurred on the M5 near Quinton, Birmingham, where an embankment caught fire, causing traffic to be stopped between junctions 3 and 4.

The fire on the M5 is believed to have been caused by a flare-up from a wildfire in the area, which is still smouldering almost 24 hours after it started.

Residents in the area have expressed concern over the close proximity of the fire to their homes, with one mother of three stating that she had a bag packed and was prepared to evacuate if necessary.

National Highways: South-West - M4 remains closed west near #Swindon between J15 & J16 due to a HGV fire which was carrying bales of hay

Wildfires have caused significant disruptions in the region, with a blaze near Stansted Airport stopping rail services to the airport yesterday afternoon.

At the height of the blaze, around 14 hectares of field – about the size of 20 football pitches – were burning next to the River Lea.

The M4 has been closed westbound near Swindon after a lorry carrying hay caught fire, prompting a major emergency response and causing long delays for motorists. Emergency services were called to the incident between Junction 15 (Badbury) and Junction 16 (Swindon) at around 11am on Monday (3 August). ?? ?? Multiple fire engines and other emergency vehicles rushed to the scene as crews tackled what has been described as a significant lorry fire involving a trailer loaded with hay. Westbound Carriageway Closed The westbound carriageway remains closed, while the eastbound side is open but experiencing slow-moving traffic due to the incident. Wiltshire Police urged drivers to avoid the area, saying: "Please be aware that the M4 westbound between junctions 15 and 16 is closed due to a significant lorry fire. "Please find alternate routes." Firefighters Tackling Blaze Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue the fire involves a trailer carrying hay. The service said: "The #M4 is currently closed westbound between J15 and J16 while we deal with a fire involving a trailer of hay." Fire crews remain at the scene working to extinguish the blaze and make the area safe. ?? Long Delays Expected National Highways warned motorists to expect significant delays while emergency services deal with the incident. A spokesperson said: "The M4 has closed westbound between J15 Badbury and J16 Swindon due to a HGV fire. "Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are leading the response at the scene. "Delays of 60 minutes and approximately four miles of congestion on approach. Please allow extra time if you're travelling in the area." Drivers are advised to avoid the route where possible and follow diversion signs until the motorway is reopened.

Share this article

UMVA MAG

UMVA Mag is your trusted source for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories from around the world. Covering politics, business, technology, entertainment, sports, health, science, and more — we deliver journalism that matters.

Independent, Accurate, Unbiased
24/7 Breaking News Coverage
Trusted by Millions Worldwide