Prosecco spilt on motorway in lorry crash

Part of a motorway is expected to be closed for several hours following a crash between two lorries that left prosecco spilled across the road.

One HGV had its empty shipping container knocked sideways, while the other, which was carrying 20 tonnes of Italian white wine, was smashed on one side, leaving broken glass bottles and drink across the M4 in Berkshire.

The lorries collided between junctions 13 for the Chieveley Interchange and 14 for Hungerford at about 07:30 BST, with one person receiving minor injuries.

Thames Valley Police described the scene as "not quite the roadside refreshment anyone had in mind".

The westbound carriageway has been closed to allow the vehicles to be recovered and diversions have been put in place.

Police said the recovery was expected to be "prolonged and complex", with one lorry "partially lifted off the ground".

National Highways said its traffic officers were also on scene assisting with traffic management.

"...one of [the lorries] has had its trailer detach from the cab.

"The trailer is on top of the nearside barrier and there is a significant amount of debris in the carriageway," it said.

It added the road was expected to remain closed for several hours while the "protracted recovery and clean up works" took place.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent crews from Newbury, Theale and Caversham Road fire stations to the scene.

"No people were trapped but firefighters provided immediate emergency care to one person with minor injuries," it said.

"Firefighters were on the scene for about one hour and 10 minutes before handing over to National Highways.

"The road is likely to remain closed for some time while a shipping container is recovered."