Police closed the westbound carriageway of the motorway between junction 15 and 16, near Swindon in Wiltshire at about 1214 BST on Thursday.

Wiltshire Police said it appeared three vehicles were involved in the accident in which a blue and green Scania lorry fell on to its side.

It is understood the dead man is the driver of the lorry which blocked all three lanes and the hard shoulder.

Several other motorists were taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon, suffering from minor injuries.

Wiltshire Police said the carriageway would be closed for several hours as investigations into the incident continued.

On Thursday afternoon traffic was being diverted through Swindon, leading to long delays in the Wiltshire town.