THE M4 westbound will remain closed until tomorrow morning after a lorry driver was killed in a collision earlier today (Wednesday).

Police have confirmed a 49-year-old man from Essex died when the vehicle overturned on the eastbound carriageway at around 4.50am this morning.

Five lanes on the motorway have been closed and the London-bound side between junctions 12 and 11 will not reopen until tomorrow while Highways England repair the road surface.


The man's next of kin have been informed.

Senior Investigating Officer, Ashley Hannibal of the serious collision investigation unit, based at Three Mile Cross, said: "Our thoughts are with the family at what must be a very difficult time for them.

"We are investigating this incident and would like to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision itself to come forward.

"If you have seen this collision please contact TVP enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference 124 11/05/16."

The debris left over from the collision will require an overnight clean up operation from Highways England

Motorists have been stuck for hours on the M4 as well as the wider area with heavy traffic throughout Reading.

Currently the whole of the eastbound carriageway is shut and westbound has been reduced to two lanes on the hard shoulder and lane one.

A Highways England spokesman said: "There is a substantial oil leak and damage to the carriageway that requires resurfacing before the eastbound carriageway can be safely reopened. It is expected these repairs will last into the early hours of the morning."

The force spokesman added: "This was a one vehicle collision involving a lorry however it is the early stages of our investigation.

"We are advising people to avoid the area as much as possible."