THE M4 westbound has been closed this morning after a fatal crash.

Four people were injured in the smash, three with minor injuries and one woman who suffered head, chest, pelvic injuries and went into cardiac arrest. The Adver understands the woman has since died.

The incident happened between junctions 18 and 19 near the M32 turn-off at around 8am this morning. The westbound motorway has been temporarily closed between these junctions while officers deal with the scene.

Queues of traffic caused 30-minute delays through Wootton Bassett as commuters made their way to Swindon via alternative routes. A broken-down bus at Junction 16 added to delays.

A spokeswoman for Wiltshire Police said: "We have been made aware of an incident between junction 18 and 19 of the M4 this morning, by our colleagues at Avon and Somerset Police.

“We understand the incident has had a knock-on affect at Wootton Bassett where there were tailbacks. We are hoping this will subside when the motorway reopens later on today.

A spokesperson from Great Western Ambulance Service said: “Three ambulances have attended the scene as well as our air ambulance critical care team and a rapid response vehicle.

“Three patients including one who went into cardiac arrest were taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol and one was taken to Bath Royal United Hospital.”