Investigation Launched After Second Death In Reading M4 Crash

Michael

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Post on Jun 09, 2025

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Investigation Launched After Second Death in Reading M4 Crash

A second person has tragically died following a multi-vehicle crash on the M4 near Reading, sparking a major police investigation and renewed calls for improved road safety measures.

The incident, which occurred on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 near junction 11 for Reading on Tuesday afternoon, initially involved three vehicles. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but sadly, one person was pronounced dead at the scene. A second individual, critically injured in the collision, succumbed to their injuries in hospital on Thursday, bringing the total number of fatalities to two.

This devastating development has prompted Thames Valley Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officers are appealing for any witnesses to come forward, particularly those who may have dashcam footage of the incident. They are particularly interested in events leading up to the collision, aiming to piece together a complete picture of what happened.

"This is a truly heartbreaking tragedy," said Superintendent Sarah Grahame of Thames Valley Police. "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. We are working tirelessly to establish the full facts surrounding this incident and are urging anyone with information to contact us immediately."

The Impact on the M4 and Local Community

The crash caused significant disruption to traffic on the M4, with the eastbound carriageway closed for several hours while emergency services attended the scene and investigations took place. Long tailbacks stretched for miles, causing delays for commuters and travellers alike. The closure highlighted the vulnerability of the M4 to serious incidents and the knock-on effect on the wider transport network.

This second death adds another layer of tragedy to an already devastating event, leaving the local community reeling. The incident has also reignited discussions surrounding road safety on the M4, with some advocating for increased safety measures such as improved signage, stricter speed limits, or additional emergency response provisions.

Calls for Improved Road Safety

Local council members and road safety campaigners have voiced their concerns following the incident, urging authorities to prioritize road safety improvements along the M4.

• Improved Signage: Campaigners are calling for clearer and more visible signage, particularly around junctions and areas prone to accidents.
• Speed Limit Reviews: Concerns have been raised about the current speed limits on certain stretches of the M4, with calls for potential reductions in high-risk areas.
• Increased Enforcement: Greater enforcement of traffic laws, including speed limits and lane discipline, is also being advocated for.
• Smart Motorway Concerns: The incident also raises concerns about the safety of smart motorways, a topic of ongoing debate across the UK. While this particular stretch is not a smart motorway, the incident underscores the broader national conversation surrounding motorway safety. More research on this complex topic is needed, [linking to relevant government or independent research reports].

The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to be released in due course. Thames Valley Police are appealing for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact them on [insert phone number or email address]. The force has also set up a dedicated online portal for submissions of dashcam footage.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of even minor incidents on busy motorways like the M4. The investigation will hopefully shed light on the cause of the crash and inform future improvements to road safety measures across the region.