Two people have been seriously injured in a crash involving more than 30 vehicles on the M20 motorway near Maidstone, Kent. The incident was reported at 6.41pm on Saturday evening on the London-bound carriageway between junctions 9 and 8, near Hollingbourne.
Emergency services attended the scene, where two people were found with serious injuries. One is now being treated at a London hospital, while the other was taken to a local facility. Eleven people were treated by paramedics on the scene, and some drivers from other vehicles involved suffered non-serious injuries.
Road closures and emergency response
The motorway was shut in both directions as of Sunday morning. National Highways said it was likely to remain closed ‘for several hours while recovery and clear up operations continue’.
Three fire engines, an air ambulance and a technical rescue unit were sent to the incident. A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a serious collision involving multiple vehicles on the M20 London-bound carriageway, between Junction 9 and 8 near Hollingbourne, Maidstone.
‘Control operators sent three fire engines and the technical rescue unit to the scene, crews helped make sure everyone was safely out of the vehicles.
‘Officers from Kent Police are also in attendance, as well as the Highways Agency.
‘Eleven people were passed into the care of SECAmb paramedics and two have been taken to hospital.’
Police appeal for information
Kent Police said in a statement last night: ‘Road closures are in place on both the London-bound and coast-bound carriageways between junction 9 to 8 and these closures are likely to remain overnight while the incident is dealt with.
‘Motorists not involved in the incident should avoid the area and should seek alternative routes.
‘Anyone with information about the incident or who has dash cam footage can contact Kent Police via our live chat function quoting reference 07-1245.’
The road closures are expected to remain in place while recovery and clear-up operations continue.
