Boy, 13, dies after two-vehicle collision on M4
A 13-year-old boy has died following a serious crash on the M4 between junctions 16 and 17 on Saturday evening, 18 July. The collision, which involved a Toyota RAV-4 and a Renault van, prompted a full closure of the motorway in Wiltshire as emergency services responded.
Wiltshire Police confirmed the teenager, who was travelling as a passenger in the Toyota, died after the incident. A woman, also a passenger in the same vehicle, is being treated in hospital for serious injuries. Police said the drivers of both vehicles were not seriously hurt.
Appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage
Detectives from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Team are appealing for information, particularly from motorists who may have captured relevant footage in the area around the time of the crash, which occurred at about 8pm on Saturday.
“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. Please contact the Serious Collision Investigation team on 01225 694597 quoting log number 398 of yesterday’s date (18/07). Alternatively, the team can be contacted by emailing SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk.”
The force has asked the public to respect the privacy of the teenager’s family at this “incredibly difficult time”.
Emergency services response and closure
All three emergency services attended the scene. The fire service said crews from Westlea, Swindon and Stratton used hydraulic rescue equipment to free a casualty from the car. Firefighters were called at 8.14pm and left the scene shortly before 10pm.
The westbound carriageway was closed between the two junctions to allow emergency crews to work safely and to facilitate initial collision investigation work. Significant delays were reported in the area as traffic was diverted.
What we know so far
| Time and date | Approximately 8pm, Saturday 18 July |
|---|---|
| Location | M4 between junctions 16 and 17 (Wiltshire) |
| Vehicles involved | Toyota RAV-4 and Renault van |
| Casualties | Boy, 13, died (Toyota passenger); Woman seriously injured (Toyota passenger); Drivers not seriously injured |
| Responders | Police, fire and ambulance services attended |
How to assist the investigation
Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who:
- Witnessed the collision or events leading up to it between J16 and J17.
- Has dashcam footage from the area around 7.45pm–8.30pm on Saturday.
- Stopped to help and has not yet spoken to police.
Information can be provided by calling the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597 (quote log 398 of 18/07), or by emailing SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk.
Local impact and next steps
This stretch of the M4 serves communities around Swindon and Chippenham and is a primary route for long-distance traffic across the South West. Motorists faced disruption on Saturday night as diversions were put in place during the emergency response and initial scene examination.
Police have not released further details while enquiries continue. The investigation will review witness accounts, vehicle examinations and any available camera footage to reconstruct the sequence of events. Anyone who was travelling westbound on the M4 at the time and has not yet come forward is urged to do so.
Wiltshire Police expressed condolences to the family of the teenager. Further updates are expected once the investigation has progressed.
