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Multiple casualties in M26 five-vehicle crash in Kent Two killed in M26 five-vehicle crash in Kent
(about 2 hours later)
The M26 was closed in both directions following a five-vehicle crash resulting in "multiple casualties". Two people have died in a five-vehicle crash that closed the M26 in both directions.
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 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 people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries. The motorway was closed between junctions three and five. Seven other people have been taken to hospital - with the six most seriously injured taken to hospitals in London.
Kent Police said one lane on the coast-bound carriageway reopened at 16:00. The motorway was shut between junctions three and five but at 16:00 one lane on the coastbound carriageway 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 it was sent to help with multiple casualties. London Air Ambulance tweeted that it had been 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 of those 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 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.
London-bound traffic was being turned around and directed back to join the M20 at Wrotham Heath. Traffic heading towards the capital 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. Vehicles were also being diverted via the M25 and road-users were advised to plan alternative routes.
A Kent Police spokesman said traffic was beginning to move slowly on the coast-bound carriageway. 'Pretty scary'
'No exits'
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."
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..."
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.
Emergency services praised 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."
Alexandra Campbell, who was caught in the traffic jam, praised the emergency services. Trevor Harlock added: "Haven't been stuck in anything quite like this before."
She said she used Twitter to find out what was going on. "I used the hashtag M26. 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."
"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." 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.
"I've been here for three hours. It's not the police's fault, it's a major accident."