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The M4 was closed in both directions after a huge fire broke out in an industrial building in Berkshire.
A large cloud of smoke descended over the highway as millions of people traveled over the long Easter weekend.
Residents said they heard “crashes and explosions” near an RAF ammunition depot shortly before the fire broke out.
However, it is unclear whether the fire was linked to the RAF base, with the local fire and rescue service saying the blaze broke out in an unnamed industrial building.
This caused debris to take off on the road, forcing the M4 to be closed in both directions between J13 near Snelsmore and J14 near Shefford Woodlands.
The Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) said the blaze broke out in an industrial building in Westbrook, Newbury, shortly after 1:40 p.m. today.
They said the fire could include “possible pyrotechnics and fireworks”.
A huge stream of white smoke descended through the M4. The fire broke out in an industrial building
Local resident Charlotte Ward said she was in a boxing park in the village of Boxford when she heard “explosions” coming from RAF Welford’s ammunition depot.
She told Metro.co.uk that she heard “a huge crash, followed by a stream of smoke and then dozens of smaller blows and other sounds, with explosions and more jets.”
She added: “It sounded like rockets or gas tubes exploding and flying in the air. A huge fire raged for half an hour. The black smoke started coming out, so we decided to leave.
An RBFRS spokesman said: “Two teams from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) from Newbury, a crew from Teal and two officers are currently being sent to the scene, along with teams from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service .
“Firefighters have discovered a fire involving possible pyrotechnics and fireworks. Borders have been set, but people are urged to stay away from the area while emergency services deal with the blaze.
A National Highways spokesman said: “The M4 is closed in both directions between J13 near Snelsmore – J14 near Shefford Woodlands due to a large fire in the building near the roadway, causing debris. We will keep you posted. Thank you.’
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