**Major Disruption on M4 in Carmarthenshire After Horsebox Overturns**
Motorists travelling through Carmarthenshire on Monday morning faced significant delays as a serious incident forced the closure of the M4 motorway in both directions. The chaos ensued just before 10:40am when a horsebox overturned between Junction 48 (A4138 Pontardulais Road, Hendy / Llanelli) and the Pont Abraham roundabout, bringing traffic to a complete standstill on one of South Wales’ busiest thoroughfares.
The incident, which drew a swift response from emergency services, led to all lanes being temporarily blocked as police, ambulance, and fire service personnel arrived at the scene. According to live updates from traffic monitoring services, both eastbound and westbound traffic were brought to a halt, causing vehicles to queue for several miles and creating widespread congestion across the region.
In an official statement, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the full closure of the route and advised the public to steer clear of the area. “The road is currently closed due to a collision,” a spokesperson said. “Please avoid the area and find alternative routes for your journey.” Motorists caught up in the gridlock experienced considerable frustration, with many stuck in stationary traffic as authorities worked to manage the unfolding situation.
Traffic camera images captured by Traffic Wales highlighted the sheer scale of the congestion, showing lines of vehicles brought to a halt as far as the eye could see. The aftermath of the incident led to delays not just on the M4 itself, but also on adjoining routes as drivers sought alternative paths to complete their journeys.
While there have been no reports of serious injuries as of the time of writing, the presence of a horsebox in the incident raised concerns about potential risks to any animals involved. Emergency crews were seen working meticulously at the scene, prioritising both public safety and animal welfare as they coordinated recovery and clean-up efforts.
The chaos on the M4 had a domino effect throughout local and regional travel networks. Regular commuters, hauliers, and holidaymakers alike faced lengthy detours, with traffic being diverted via local roads which soon became heavily congested themselves. Public transport services, including local bus routes, also reported delays as a result of the motorway closure.
A spokesperson for Traffic Wales, the government body responsible for the management of motorways and trunk roads across Wales, noted the incident underscored the vulnerability of major routes to sudden disruption and highlighted the importance of prompt communication to keep the public informed during such emergencies.
By early afternoon, partial access was being restored, although residual delays were expected for some time as the congestion was gradually dispersed. Highways crews remained at the location, undertaking vehicle recovery and ensuring that the carriageways were safe to reopen.
Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of road travel and the critical role played by emergency responders in managing unforeseen hazards. Authorities have urged any witnesses to the collision, or those who may have relevant dashcam footage, to come forward and assist with their investigation into the events leading up to the crash.
With many still travelling for work or leisure, the disruption on the M4 underscores the need for drivers to check for the latest updates before setting out and to remain patient while the situation is brought under control. Motorists are encouraged to monitor official channels for further information as the clean-up continues and normal service is gradually restored to the motorway.