THE M4 westbound was closed for five hours yesterday after a fatal crash.

Four people were injured in the three-vehicle smash, three with minor injuries and one woman who suffered head, chest, pelvic injuries and went into cardiac arrest. The Adver understands the woman later died on route to Frenchay Hospital.

Avon and Somerset police said a 41-year-old man was in custody helping with their inquiries.

The incident happened between junctions 18 and 19 near the M32 turn-off, near Bristol, at around 8am. The westbound motorway was closed between the junctions while officers dealt 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: “The incident had a knock-on affect at Wootton Bassett where there were tailbacks.”

A Great Western Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Three ambulances 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 and one was taken to Bath Royal United Hospital.”