Major M4 Prince of Wales Bridge Closed Following Serious Accident

On the evening of April 22, the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, a crucial link connecting England and Wales, was closed in both directions after a serious road traffic accident occurred around 6 PM. The incident involved a collision between a pedestrian and a lorry, leading to the hospitalization of the female pedestrian. Gwent Police responded swiftly to the scene, along with paramedics and the Air Ambulance Service, indicating the severity of the situation. The closure caused significant disruption, affecting traffic from junction 22 on the M49 to junction 23 on the M48, resulting in severe delays for thousands of drivers during rush hour. According to reports from Traffic Wales and traffic monitoring services like Inrix, the congestion extended back towards junction 21, with motorists advised to use alternative routes via the M48 Severn Bridge. The bridge was reopened to traffic roughly two hours later, but delays persisted as traffic slowly resumed normal flow. This unfortunate incident underscores the risks associated with road transport and the potential for accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles, highlighting the need for increased awareness and safety measures. Additionally, similar incidents have compounded traffic challenges in the region, with reports of multiple vehicles involved in a separate collision earlier in the day, representing a troubling trend of road safety issues in busy commuter areas. As more details emerge, it is vital for road users to remain cautious and informed, keeping abreast of developments through local news updates.