Lorry tanker fire on M4 causes long delays Published duration 14 April 2017

image copyright Elizabeth Stormfield image caption The lorry caught fire at lunchtime on the M4 in west Wiltshire

A lorry carrying compressed gas caught fire on the M4, causing long delays for Easter bank holiday travellers.

The road was closed both ways between junction 17 (Chippenham) and 18 (Bath) for about an hour from 12:30 BST.

The westbound carriageway has fully reopened, while the eastbound carriageway has two lanes open.

Earlier the eastbound tailbacks extended as far as junction 19, where the M4 meets the M32 near Bristol, about 14 miles from junction 18.

Jade Jones told the BBC she had been stuck in traffic for two hours about a quarter of a mile away from the tanker.

She said: "I was travelling from Bristol to Bournemouth to meet a friend for her bank holiday birthday party. I needed to be in Bournemouth by 2pm.

"I left Bristol at 11:30 and hit the M4 at 11:55 and have been there ever since.

"We didn't see a fire engine arrive for 25 minutes. We're still an hour and 50 minutes away from our destination."

Travellers were advised to stay in their cars due to the clouds of black smoke from the lorry. The tanker contained argon which is an inert gas used in the production of titanium and in welding to prevent oxidisation

image caption The tanker fire caused long delays on the M4

image caption During the motorway closure, people were advised to remain in their cars

image caption The queue on the eastbound M4 stretched back about 14 miles

Earlier, Highways England tweeted: "We've opened another lane past the scene of the HGV fire on #M4 E/B J18-J17 and 2 lanes are now running. This should help ease congestion."

Debee Horwood tweeted: "Tailbacks Westbound on the #M4 go back as far as 4 miles from Membury Services after Gas Tanker Fire between Junction 17-18. #trafficnews"

Tim Shires tweeted: "Any Bristol City & QPR fans heading to todays game using the M4 - its CLOSED in both directions between J17 & J18. Find alternative route!"