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Multiple casualties in M26 five-vehicle crash in Kent 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.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 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.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.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.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.
'I used #M26'
Alexandra Campbell, who was caught in the traffic jam, praised the emergency services.
She said she used Twitter to find out what was going on. "I used the hashtag M26.
"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 said.
"After about two-and-a-half hours the police started to turn us round and along what is an entrance slip road.
"They moved us very quickly, so in the end we were stuck in the jam for just over three hours, which considering the jam was fantastic."