Multiple crashes today on the M4 led to it being closed twice in four hours, with fire crews being sent out both times.

It is not known how many cars were involved in total, but the first incident between junctions 16 and 17 involved one car, while the second between junctions 14 and 15 involved multiple.

The second incident was more serious, resulting in traffic being stopped in both directions while an air ambulance landed on the motorway.

The AA has reported that there was water on the motorway, with poor weather including hail showers happening in the area.

A member of the public said:  "It was the shower of ice and panic driving. 

“I was sliding around and came in contact with a massive puddle of ice basically but luckily had decent tyres and skill to control it.

Swindon Advertiser: An air ambulance has landed on the M4 eastbound

“Knew there would be more accidents."

The multi car crash was attended by police, fire, land and air ambulances and National Highways traffic officers.

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were then called to the M4 westbound between J14 and J15 at 3.20pm for a multi-vehicle incident. 

“Four crews attended, one from Swindon and three from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (Newbury (x2) and Hungerford), and firefighters worked with the other emergency services to ensure that everyone was safe.”

Swindon Advertiser: Traffic queued for two miles with 45 minute delays

A South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said that it dispatched two double crewed land ambulances.

The earlier incident between Swindon and Chippenham involved one car, but was still attended by three fire crews.

The Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:

"We were called to the M4 westbound between J16 and J17 at 12.44pm today (23 March) for a road traffic collision involving one vehicle and the central reservation.

"Three fire crews attended, from Royal Wootton Bassett, Westlea and Stratton.

"Two people from the car had self-extricated when we arrived so firefighters made the scene safe and our stop was at 1.29pm."

Traffic continued in both directions long after the second crash between junctions 14 and 15, but began clearing into the evening.

It is expected to return to normal between 8 and 8:15 pm. 

As of 6:30 pm, eastbound between 14 and 15 was open, but lane one of the M4 westbound remains closed.

The poor weather is to continue next week with rain forecast on Tuesday to Thursday.

Wiltshire Police have been contacted for comment. National Highways were not able to be contacted.