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Version 4 Version 5
M26 closed after crash between five vehicles M26 closed after crash between five vehicles
(about 1 hour later)
The M26 has been closed in both directions following a five-vehicle crash resulting in "multiple casualties". The M26 was closed in both directions following a five-vehicle crash resulting in "multiple casualties".
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 the crash, involving two cars, two lorries and a van, happened just before 09:40 BST on the westbound carriageway in Kent.
The motorway is closed between junction three and five. Hundreds of vehicles are caught up in the jam. Seven people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries. London Air Ambulance tweeted it was sent to help with multiple casualties.
London Air Ambulance tweeted it was sent to help with multiple casualties. The motorway was closed between junctions three and five.
Kent Police said seven people have been taken to hospital.
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.
Police said the motorway remained closed, but London-bound traffic was being turned around and directed back to join the M20 at Wrotham Heath. One lane
Traffic is also being diverted via the M25. Road users have been advised to plan alternative journeys. Six casualties were taken to the Royal London, St George's and King's College hospitals in London.
The Highways Agency said its contractors were helping emergency services to try to reopen the road, following the crash near Dunton Green. The seventh, who has less serious injuries, was taken to East Surrey Hospital, the ambulance service said.
A spokesman said: "Police investigations are ongoing and it is expected that the closure will be in place for most of today and possibly into the evening peak period." Kent Police said coast-bound traffic was now being moved and one lane would be reopened as soon as possible.
The London-bound carriageway would remain closed until the evening, the spokesman said.
London-bound traffic was being turned around and directed back to join the M20 at Wrotham Heath.
Traffic was also being diverted via the M25 and road users were advised to plan alternative routes.
The Highways Agency said its contractors were helping emergency services to try to reopen the road.
'No exits'
People reacted to the crash on Twitter.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."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. Still hearing closed until 4-4:30pm too." Trevor Harlock added: "Haven't been stuck in anything quite like this before."
Jeff Smith wrote: "I feel for those caught in the jam on the M26 this morning.Jeff Smith wrote: "I feel for those caught in the jam on the M26 this morning.
"Great short-cut m/way to M25 but it's basically 8 miles with no exits...""Great short-cut m/way to M25 but it's basically 8 miles with no exits..."
The short motorway links the M25 with the M20, joining London by road with the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and the Port of Dover.The short motorway links the M25 with the M20, joining London by road with the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and the Port of Dover.
Kent Police is appealing for witnesses.