A 13-year-old boy has died following a collision on the M4 in Wiltshire on Saturday evening, prompting a police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage. The incident, involving a Toyota RAV4 and a Renault van, happened at about 8pm between junctions 16 and 17, closing the motorway to all traffic in that stretch while emergency services responded.
Wiltshire Police confirmed on Sunday morning that the boy, who was travelling as a passenger in the Toyota, died as a result of the crash. A woman, also a passenger in the same vehicle, remains in hospital with serious injuries. According to officers, the drivers of both vehicles did not sustain serious harm.
Police confirm fatality and launch appeal
In a public statement, Wiltshire Police expressed condolences to the teenager’s family and urged the public to assist their investigation. The force asked anyone who saw the collision or who may hold relevant dashcam footage to make contact with its Serious Collision Investigation Team.
“A 13-year-old boy has sadly died following a road traffic collision on the M4 yesterday (18/07)... We need to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam footage.”
Detectives are particularly keen to hear from motorists who were travelling westbound on the M4 between Swindon and Chippenham around the time of the incident and who may have captured the moments before or during the collision.
Emergency services at the scene
All emergency services attended. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said three crews — from Westlea, Swindon and Stratton — were mobilised at 8.14pm. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue equipment to release a casualty from the Toyota, with the service reporting its stop message at 9.49pm.
- Collision time: approximately 8pm on Saturday, 18 July.
- Location: M4 westbound, J16–J17 corridor.
- Vehicles involved: Toyota RAV4 and a Renault van.
How to share information with investigators
Officers have set out clear routes for the public to get in touch. Witnesses and drivers with dashcam recordings that could aid the inquiry are encouraged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team using the details below. Please reference the specified log number to assist the team in locating reports quickly.
| Team | Phone | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serious Collision Investigation Team | 01225 694597 | SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk | Log 398 (18/07) |
Local impact and road safety context
The stretch of the M4 between Swindon (J16) and Chippenham (J17) is a heavily used route linking Wiltshire to Bristol and the Thames Valley, carrying commuters, local traffic and freight. Serious collisions on this corridor can cause significant disruption and require multi-agency responses to secure the scene, treat casualties and gather evidence. While officers have not indicated any criminal aspect at this stage, the appeal for footage is routine and crucial for reconstructing the sequence of events.
Police are also reminding drivers that, in the aftermath of major incidents, it is important to: avoid sharing unverified images online; keep any dashcam files unedited; and provide statements as soon as practicable if they witnessed anything relevant. Respect for the privacy of those affected has been emphasised by the force while formal inquiries continue.
What witnesses can do now
If you were travelling on the M4 near Swindon on Saturday evening and noticed the vehicles involved, or if your dashcam may have picked up the lead-up or the collision itself, please get in touch. Even brief clips can help investigators establish timings, road positions and conditions at the time.
Wiltshire Police said their thoughts are with the teenage boy’s family and asked the public to refrain from speculation while the investigation progresses. Further updates are expected as the Serious Collision Investigation Team reviews evidence and speaks to witnesses.
