THE second of three men to die following a two vehicle road traffic collision on the M4 on Monday has been identified.

The incident involved a van and a lorry on the westbound carriageway close to junction 17 at Chippenham shortly after 4.30am.

Two men travelling in the van were pronounced dead at the scene and two other men, also travelling in the van, were taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with serious injuries.

One of these men died on Wednesday. He has now been identified as James Vernon Stark, 37, of Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales.

Another victim was formally identified on Thursday as Martin Williams, 36, of Trecynon, Wales.

Formal identification of the third victim is likely to be concluded in the next few days.

The remaining victim remains in hospital in a critical condition.

A fifth man, who was driving the van, was taken to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon with minor injuries but was released the same morning.

A 37 year-old man from Aberdare was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The M4 westbound was closed for nine hours while recovery of the vehicles took place. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.