In a terrifying incident on the M4 this morning at around 6:15, a car that was reportedly speeding, collided with another vehicle, sending it airborne and causing a cascade of debris, including rocks, to be hurled at oncoming vehicles on the opposite carriageway.
The accident resulted in chaos and left several motorists, including a young family from Cardiff and some Swindon residents, stranded on the Westbound carriageway without any assistance from emergency services, adding to their trauma and shock.
The accident, which involved the initial two vehicles and a total of four vehicles on the westbound carriageway, including an artic lorry, brought the Eastbound carriageway to a standstill for around two hours as authorities worked to clear the wreckage.
However, the response of emergency services towards the injured parties on the Westbound carriageway has raised serious concerns.
Eyewitnesses on the scene reported that despite the danger and chaos that ensued after the speeding car came dangerously close to entering the Westbound carriageway, the emergency services did not provide any aid or support to the victims on that side of the motorway.
The debris, including rocks the size of tennis balls, shattered windshields and caused further harm to a number of vehicles, leaving the victims stranded and with non-roadworthy cars.
One of the victims from Swindon expressed her shock and disappointment at the lack of attention they received. “I am totally shocked at being left by the side of the motorway with no regard for my welfare. While on the phone with the emergency services, who were not interested in us on our side of the road, they asked us to walk along the carriageway to report back about the well-being of some of the other passengers. The motorway was back open at this point, so we refused!” she said.
Even after contacting Thames Valley Police to report the incident, the victims were met with apathy and disbelief. The driver from Swindon had to call the police back after speaking with her insurance company to ensure they acknowledged that the accident was not her fault, and the police had no record of them on their carriageway despite being witnesses and victims of the incident.
The police later apologised for their oversight and recognised that they should have attended the scene to ensure the victims’ well-being and provide necessary assistance.
In response to inquiries about their handling of the situation, Thames Valley Police refused to comment, stating that they “don’t answer enquiries about road traffic collisions unless the enquiry is about a press release we have published.”
This lack of transparency and accountability has only added to the frustration and distress experienced by the victims and witnesses of the accident.
Such incidents raise serious questions about the preparedness and response capabilities of emergency services in handling multi-car accidents, and the need for proper coordination and communication to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved parties.
The authorities must conduct a thorough investigation into the events surrounding this accident and address the concerns raised by the victims and witnesses.
Proper training and protocols should be put in place to ensure that emergency services respond promptly and effectively to such incidents, providing timely aid and support to all of those affected.
The driver of the vehicle on the Westbound carriageway was seen by paramedics and left the scene uninjured.
