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Two killed in M26 five-vehicle crash in Kent | Two killed in M26 five-vehicle crash in Kent |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Two people have died in a five-vehicle crash that closed the M26 in both directions. | Two people have died in a five-vehicle crash that closed the M26 in both directions. |
The crash, involving two cars, two lorries and a van, happened just before 09:40 BST on the westbound carriageway in Kent, the Highways Agency said. | The crash, involving two cars, two lorries and a van, happened just before 09:40 BST on the westbound carriageway in Kent, the Highways Agency said. |
Seven other people have been taken to hospital - with the six most seriously injured taken to hospitals in London. | Seven other people have been taken to hospital - with the six most seriously injured taken to hospitals in London. |
The entire motorway was shut between the M20 and the M25 but at 16:00 one coastbound lane was reopened. | The entire motorway was shut between the M20 and the M25 but at 16:00 one coastbound lane was reopened. |
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said its crews had freed a man, woman and two children from one car and released a man and woman from a second car. | Kent Fire and Rescue Service said its crews had freed a man, woman and two children from one car and released a man and woman from a second car. |
London Air Ambulance tweeted that it had been sent to help with multiple casualties. | London Air Ambulance tweeted that it had been sent to help with multiple casualties. |
Six of those were taken to the Royal London, St George's and King's College hospitals in London. | Six of those were taken to the Royal London, St George's and King's College hospitals in London. |
The seventh, who had less serious injuries, was taken to East Surrey Hospital. | The seventh, who had less serious injuries, was taken to East Surrey Hospital. |
Kent Police said the London-bound carriageway was expected to remain closed until about 22:00. | Kent Police said the London-bound carriageway was expected to remain closed until about 22:00. |
Traffic heading towards the capital was being turned round and directed back to join the M20 at Wrotham Heath. | |
Vehicles were also being diverted via the M25 and road users were advised to plan alternative routes. | Vehicles were also being diverted via the M25 and road users were advised to plan alternative routes. |
'Pretty scary' | 'Pretty scary' |
The short M26 motorway links the M25 with the M20, joining the west of England by road with the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and the Port of Dover. | The short M26 motorway links the M25 with the M20, joining the west of England by road with the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and the Port of Dover. |
People reacted to the crash on Twitter. One user, called Nevrandil, tweeted: "When you can leave your car and stand around in the middle of the road you know the #trafficjam is serious." | People reacted to the crash on Twitter. One user, called Nevrandil, tweeted: "When you can leave your car and stand around in the middle of the road you know the #trafficjam is serious." |
Trevor Harlock added: "Haven't been stuck in anything quite like this before." | Trevor Harlock added: "Haven't been stuck in anything quite like this before." |
Alexandra Campbell, who was also caught up in the aftermath of the crash said she used Twitter to find out what was going on. | Alexandra Campbell, who was also caught up in the aftermath of the crash said she used Twitter to find out what was going on. |
"At 10am we found out we were going to be there until four in the afternoon. That was pretty scary as none of us had any water," she said. | "At 10am we found out we were going to be there until four in the afternoon. That was pretty scary as none of us had any water," she said. |
Someone in the next car offered her some Easter eggs they were carrying in their car, she added. | Someone in the next car offered her some Easter eggs they were carrying in their car, she added. |
"After about two-and-a-half hours the police started to turn us round and along what is an entrance slip road." | "After about two-and-a-half hours the police started to turn us round and along what is an entrance slip road." |
Terry Squires was heading to Gatwick Airport, from where he was due to depart for an Easter break. | Terry Squires was heading to Gatwick Airport, from where he was due to depart for an Easter break. |
"We only got a mile up there and came to a dead standstill," he said. | "We only got a mile up there and came to a dead standstill," he said. |
"I've been here for three hours. It's not the police's fault, it's a major accident." | "I've been here for three hours. It's not the police's fault, it's a major accident." |