At least 13 people have been injured in a crash involving two lorries, an empty coach and four cars on the M4 motorway in Wiltshire.
At least 13 people have been injured in a crash involving two lorries, an empty coach and four cars on the M4 motorway in Wiltshire.
One of the casualties is said by police to have been seriously hurt in the accident on the eastbound carriageway at about 0145 BST.
One of the casualties is said by police to have been seriously hurt in the accident on the eastbound carriageway at about 0145 BST.
The motorway has been closed in both directions between junctions 17 and 18 near Leigh Delamere Services.
The motorway has been closed in both directions between junctions 17 and 18 near Leigh Delamere Services.
The road is not expected to reopen until midday.
The eastbound carriageway remains shut. Two westbound lanes have reopened.
Motorists are being warned to expect delays.
Motorists are being warned to expect delays.
Trapped for hours
Trapped for hours
A spokesman from Wiltshire Police said: "A number of people have sustained injuries and both carriageways have been closed.
A spokesman from Wiltshire Police said earlier: "A number of people have sustained injuries and both carriageways have been closed.
"The motorway is not expected to be reopened until noon due to damage caused to the central reservation and the need to remove heavy vehicles from the carriageways.
"The motorway is not expected to be reopened until noon due to damage caused to the central reservation and the need to remove heavy vehicles from the carriageways.
"Diversions have been put in place but heavy congestion is expected."
"Diversions have been put in place but heavy congestion is expected."
It is understood that the trailer unit of one of the lorries had crossed the central reservation, crashing into the cars.
It is understood that the trailer unit of one of the lorries had crossed the central reservation, crashing into the cars.
One of the drivers, who was seriously hurt, was trapped in his vehicle for more than two hours, police said.
One of the drivers, who was seriously hurt, was trapped in his vehicle for more than two hours, police said.
The injured people were taken to Frenchay Hospital near Bristol and Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
The injured people were taken to Frenchay Hospital near Bristol and Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
Thermal imaging cameras were used to detect any further casualties and platforms were set up to access those trapped in the wreckage of the larger vehicles.
Thermal imaging cameras were used to detect any further casualties and platforms were set up to access those trapped in the wreckage of the larger vehicles.
Police said heavy lifting equipment would be required to move the lorries and bus from the scene.
Police said heavy lifting equipment would be required to move the lorries and bus from the scene.
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