Multi-vehicle crash blocks M4 eastbound near Bristol, causing four‑mile traffic jam

A multi‑vehicle collision on the eastbound M4 between junctions 19 (Bristol) and 18 (Bath) forced the closure of two of three lanes on the motorway on the afternoon of 17 May 2026. National Highways warned drivers of delays exceeding 45 minutes and a queue of approximately four miles. Emergency services attended the scene, though the extent of the crash was not immediately known.

By around 18:00 BST traffic began to ease, and the lanes were fully reopened later that evening, with normal traffic flow restored by 18:12 BST.

The incident caused significant disruption for commuters and freight traffic in the region, but no further details on injuries or cause were reported.