A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after four people were killed in an eight-vehicle rush hour pile-up in Berkshire.
Emergency services were called to the scene on a stretch of the A34 shortly after 5pm on Wednesday, following the collision involving four heavy goods vehicles and four cars.
Four people died at the scene while at least one man remained in John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford with life-threatening injuries. Two other people were taken to the Royal Berkshire hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. Nine others suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
The northbound carriageway between the M4 junction at Chieveley and West Ilsley was closed in the wake of the incident. The southbound carriageway was closed for a period of time to allow the air ambulance to land.
Thames Valley police appealed for witnesses to the incident, which led to six-mile tailbacks on the route.
Senior investigating officer Insp Andy Storey, from the joint operations unit for roads policing based at Three Mile Cross, said: “Officers are currently on the scene responding to this fatal collision. All motorists should avoid the area, use alternative routes and await further updates before attempting to travel on this route. We appreciate motorists’ patience while we deal with this incident.
“I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, including anyone travelling on the southbound carriageway who saw anything they believe is significant, to contact police.”
