Two Children Dead After Minibus Crash On M4 Slip Road, Near Reading

Michael

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Post on Jun 09, 2025

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Two Children Dead After Minibus Crash on M4 Slip Road Near Reading

Tragedy struck near Reading this morning as a minibus carrying children was involved in a fatal accident on the M4 slip road. The incident, which occurred shortly before 8:00 am, left two children dead and several others injured. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but sadly, despite their best efforts, two young lives were lost. This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked a major investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Scene of the Accident and Emergency Response

The collision happened on the slip road leading to junction 11 of the M4 motorway, near Reading, Berkshire. The emergency response was swift, with police, paramedics, and fire crews arriving within minutes. The air ambulance was also deployed, highlighting the severity of the situation. Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with emergency vehicles blocking a significant portion of the slip road and surrounding area. The M4 itself experienced significant delays as a result of the closure of the slip road.

Thames Valley Police have confirmed the fatalities and are currently appealing for witnesses. They are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward and contact them immediately. This information is crucial to piecing together the events leading up to the collision and will aid in the ongoing investigation.

Investigation Underway and Support for Families

An investigation into the cause of the accident is now underway. Authorities are examining various factors, including the condition of the vehicles involved, weather conditions, and driver behavior. The minibus company is also expected to be subject to scrutiny. The details regarding the ages of the children and the extent of injuries to the other passengers are yet to be officially released, out of respect for the families involved. Support services are being offered to the families of the victims and the other passengers affected by this tragic event.

The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the immediate families. Local schools and community groups are preparing to offer support and counseling to anyone who has been affected. Such events often leave a lasting scar on a community, and the coming days will be crucial in providing the necessary care and understanding.

M4 Slip Road Re-opened but Impact Remains

The slip road, initially closed following the accident, has since re-opened. However, the emotional scars of this devastating event will undoubtedly take much longer to heal. This accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential for tragedy on our roads. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and to follow all traffic regulations at all times.

If you have any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation, please contact Thames Valley Police immediately. Your contribution could be vital in ensuring justice is served and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Keywords: M4 crash, Reading accident, minibus crash, fatal accident, Thames Valley Police, road safety, children, fatalities, investigation, witness appeal, emergency services, M4 slip road, Berkshire.