M20 closed after 30-vehicle crash leaves two seriously injured

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 8 Nov, 00:51 · Archive

More than 30 vehicles collided on the M20 in Kent on Saturday evening, leaving two people seriously injured.

A crash involving more than 30 vehicles on the M20 in Kent on Saturday evening left two people seriously injured. The collision occurred on the London-bound carriageway between junction 8 at Hollingbourne and junction 9 at Ashford at approximately 6.40pm on 7 November. One injured person was taken to a London hospital and the other to a local hospital. Other drivers involved sustained injuries not believed to be serious, with the Daily Mail reporting that 11 people in total were treated for their injuries.

Emergency services attended quickly. An air ambulance team arrived at the scene by road, along with police, paramedics and firefighters. Three fire engines were sent, with crews helping to ensure everyone was safely out of the vehicles. National Highways Traffic Officers were also in attendance assisting with traffic management.

Both the London-bound and coast-bound carriageways were closed between junctions 8 and 9 following the incident. The closures were expected to remain in place overnight while emergency services dealt with the collision. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Weather conditions appear to have played a role. Sky News reported that the crash occurred in 'thick fog'. The Independent noted that National Highways stated 'thick fog has been confirmed at this location'. The Daily Mail reports that the crash may have been caused by thick fog and smoke from a nearby fireworks display at Leeds Castle, which had a display scheduled for 5.30pm on Saturday evening.

Kent Police appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage. Anyone with information was asked to contact Kent Police via its live chat service, quoting reference 07-1245.

How it is being reported

• Major motorway shut in both directions after huge 30-vehicle crash 'caused by heavy fog and firework smoke'Cars and lorries crashed around 6.40pm between junction eight and junction nine. The crash saw two people taken to hospital.Daily Mail · 8 Nov, 00:17
• Huge M20 crash involving more than 30 vehicles leaves two people seriously injuredPolice were called to the scene on Saturday eveningThe Independent · 7 Nov, 23:05
• Multi-vehicle crash in 'thick fog' shuts M20 in KentA stretch of the M20 has been shut and two people are seriously injured after more than 30 vehicles were involved in a crash in Kent.Sky News · 7 Nov, 23:05
• Major motorway closed in both directions after horror 30-vehicle pile-upThe motorway has been closed following the crash.Daily Express · 7 Nov, 22:37
• M20 closed after horror 30-vehicle pile-up leaves two seriously injuredMore than 30 vehicles have been involved in a major crash on the M20, leaving two people seriously injured, with multiple others also sustaining injuriesThe Mirror · 7 Nov, 22:30

In this story: M20 · Kent · Hollingbourne · Ashford · Leeds Castle · Kent Police · National Highways · Kent Fire and Rescue

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log