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Multiple casualties in M26 five-vehicle crash in Kent | |
(35 minutes later) | |
The M26 was 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. |
Seven people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries. The motorway was closed between junctions three and five. | |
Kent Police said one lane on the coast-bound carriageway reopened at 16:00. | |
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 it was sent to help with multiple casualties. | |
Six casualties were taken to the Royal London, St George's and King's College hospitals in London. | Six casualties were taken to the Royal London, St George's and King's College hospitals in London. |
The seventh, who has less serious injuries, was taken to East Surrey Hospital. | |
Kent Police said the London-bound carriageway was expected to remain closed until about 20:00. | |
London-bound traffic was being turned around and directed back to join the M20 at Wrotham Heath. | 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. | Traffic was also being diverted via the M25 and road users were advised to plan alternative routes. |
'No exits' | '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." | 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. |