Van passengers escape crash after 'life-saving' decision

The driver and passengers of a broken-down van have been praised by police for their "life-saving" decision to exit their vehicle before a lorry ploughed into it.

Thames Valley Police said they had stopped their Citroen van on the M4 eastbound between junctions 15 for the Plough Hill Interchange and 14 for the Hungerford Interchange after an electrical failure early on Saturday.

The occupants took themselves to a safe location behind the barrier before the vehicle was hit by the lorry that had strayed into the hard shoulder.

A police spokesperson said no arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing.

In a post on social media the force said: "Well done to the driver and passengers for choosing safety over comfort."