A section of the M4 motorway is closed this morning following a serious crash that occurred overnight. The eastbound carriageway has been shut down between Junction 22 for the Prince of Wales Bridge and Junction 21 for the M48. The incident, which involved two vehicles, took place shortly after midnight.

According to a spokesperson for the Avon and Somerset Police, emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision on the M4 eastbound between junctions 22 (M49) and 21 (M48) at approximately 12:05 am on Monday, [Date]. Upon arrival, officers discovered that both vehicles had left the carriageway, and there were several casualties.

As a result of the crash, the eastbound stretch of the M4 remains closed, and National Highways has advised that it will likely remain shut throughout the morning rush hour. To facilitate recovery and investigation work, a diversion route has been implemented. Motorists are being directed to take the M49 at Junction 22 and join the M5 northbound at Junction 18A. They can then rejoin the eastbound M4 at Junction 16 or cross the M48 Severn Bridge and join the eastbound M4 at Junction 21.

National Highways has urged drivers to allow for extra travel time and plan their journeys accordingly. The closure has resulted in significant traffic congestion, particularly around Chepstow, as motorists seek alternative routes to avoid the affected area. While the westbound side of the M5 has been reopened, the eastbound side is expected to remain closed until at least mid-morning, pending ongoing investigations by the Avon and Somerset Police.

Motorists are advised to stay updated on the situation and follow the guidance of traffic authorities. The reopening of the affected section of the M4 will be communicated once it is deemed safe to do so.