TWO occupants were rushed to hospital last night after their car careered off the side of the M4 and collided with fencing shortly before 5.30pm.

Wiltshire Police is appealing for witnesses to the incident which required Thames Valley Air Ambulance to take the passenger to John Radcliffe Hospital with serious facial injuries.

The driver of the green Volvo estate was taken to Southampton General Hospital with head injuries.

Lane one and the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway between Junctions 16 and 15 were closed for three-and-a-half hours to allow for an investigation.

PC Alan King said: “At 5.27pm a serious road traffic collision occurred on the M4 motorway, eastbound between Junction 16 to 15.

“A green Volvo estate left the carriageway and crashed into the fencing of the motorway.

“The driver of the vehicle was conveyed to the Southampton hospital with head injuries.

“The passenger of the vehicle was flown by air ambulance to the John Radcliffe Hospital with serious facial injuries.

“Lane one and the hard shoulder of the motorway were closed for three-and-a-half hours to allow police collision investigators to carry out an investigation.”

It is requested any person who may have witnessed the collision, contact Jay Clifton of the Tri Force Specialist Operations Unit on 101.

Westlea Fire Station tweeted: "Great to work with @BOB_Oxfordshire (Oxon Air Ambulance) and HART on the M4 earlier.

"Hopefully a good outcome for the patient."

Melissa Covey-Dunmore comment on our Facebook page: "Saw the accident just after it had happened, fire brigade trying to cut people/person out of car.

"Hope and pray all r ok... looked awful."

Chris Loveridge said: "I was the first car to stop at the accident earlier and help the driver and passenger out I really hope that the both of them are ok and pull through this."

Melanie Byner wrote: "Saw this accident I do hope all involved are okay, looked horrific! My thoughts are with all concerned. X"