M4 Chaos: HGV Fire Closes Motorway in Berkshire
M4 closed after HGV fire causes chaos

A significant lorry fire has thrown the M4 motorway into chaos, forcing a full closure of the westbound carriageway in Berkshire during the evening rush.

Motorway Closed After Blaze

The M4 in Berkshire is closed westbound between Junction 6 for Slough and Junction 8/9 for Maidenhead. The incident began after a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) caught fire on the westbound entry slip at junction 6.

Emergency services, including fire crews, were quickly dispatched to the scene to tackle the blaze. National Highways confirmed their traffic officers are also in attendance, working to manage the resulting congestion and assist motorists.

Travel Chaos for Commuters

The closure has caused major disruption for evening commuters and other road users. With two lanes initially shut on the slip road and the subsequent full closure of the main carriageway, long delays are building in the area.

National Highways issued a statement urging drivers to plan ahead. They advised that resources are on site to help with traffic management, but significant delays are expected for the foreseeable future.

Ongoing Situation and Advice

The incident was reported and updated on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, with the situation evolving throughout the late afternoon. Drivers are being strongly advised to avoid the area if possible and to seek alternative routes.

For those already caught in the disruption, patience is advised as emergency teams work to resolve the incident and make the scene safe. Real-time travel information is available via the National Highways website and local traffic reports.