The M4 was closed in both directions after a huge fire broke out in an industrial building in Berkshire. A big cloud of smoke has descended on the highway as millions of people travel on the big Easter weekend. Residents said they heard “bangs and explosions” near a RAF ammunition depot shortly before the fire broke out. However, it is not clear if the fire is linked to the RAF base, with the local fire and rescue service saying the fire broke out in an unnamed industrial building. This caused debris to fall on the road, forcing the M4 to close in both directions between J13 near Snelsmore and J14 near Shefford Woodlands. The Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) said the fire broke out at an industrial building in Westbrook, Newbury, shortly after 1:40 p.m. today. They said the fire may have included “possible fireworks and fireworks”. A huge cloud of white smoke descended on the M4. The flame broke out in an industrial building. Charlotte Ward, a resident of the area, said she was in the amusement park in the village of Boxford when she heard “explosions” believed to have come from the RAF Welford ammunition depot. He told Metro.co.uk that he heard a “huge bang followed by a plume of smoke and then 10 second smaller beats and other sounds, with explosions and more plumes”. He added: “It sounded like rockets or gas canisters exploding and flying in the air. Huge fire raged for half an hour. The black smoke started to leave and we decided to leave “. A RBFRS spokesman said: “Two Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) crews from Newbury, a crew from Theale and two officers are currently on the scene, along with crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service . “Firefighters located a fire with possible fireworks and fireworks. “There are links, but people are being asked to stay away from the area, while emergency services are dealing with this fire.” A National Highway Agency spokesman said: “The M4 was closed in both directions between J13 near Snelsmore – J14 near Shefford Woodlands due to a large fire in the building near the road which caused debris. We will keep you informed. Thank you.’ This is breaking news, which will follow soon … Come back soon for further updates. Do you have a story? Contact our news team by emailing us at [email protected] Or you can submit your videos and photos here. For more stories like this, check out our news page. Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also download Metro.co.uk articles directly to your device. Sign up for our daily push notifications here.
