Get you up to speed: M23 near Gatwick Airport shut after highways worker ‘hit by van driver’ | News UK
A 65-year-old highways worker from Kent was killed in a collision on the M23 southbound at Junction 9 for Crawley and Gatwick shortly before 1am. A 38-year-old man from Croydon, the driver of the van involved, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 of the M23 is expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon as investigation efforts continue. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage are urged to contact Sussex Police to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Sussex Police confirmed that investigations into the crash are ongoing and have urged eyewitnesses or individuals with dashcam footage to come forward. In light of the incident and the expected prolonged closure of the southbound M23, National Highways has advised drivers to plan for alternative routes, particularly those travelling to Gatwick Airport.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed whether the closure of a stretch of the M23 at junction 8 for the M25 is related to the incident involving the highways worker.
M23 near Gatwick Airport closed following fatal incident involving highways worker
A section of the M23 has been closed for hours near Gatwick Airport after a highways worker was killed in a crash.
The roads worker, a 65-year-old man from Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a van.
The crash happened on the M23 southbound at junction J9 for Crawley and Gatwick shortly before 1am, which remains closed.
A 38-year-old man from Croydon, the driver of the van, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving. He remains in police custody.
Drivers face severe delays as the motorway is expected to remain shut into the afternoon while a crash investigation is carried out.
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Sergeant Chris Ambrose said: ‘A highways worker, a 65-year-old man from Kent, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.
‘We are fully investigating the circumstances and we ask anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who has dashcam footage, to come forward.
‘The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 is likely to be closed, with diversions, until late morning, and motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes.’
People travelling to the UK’s second busiest airport are told to allow extra time and to use alternative routes.
National Highways said: ‘Due to the serious nature of the incident, Sussex Police investigations remain ongoing and will continue to take place throughout the day. The carriageway is expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon.
‘Road users heading to London Gatwick Airport this morning are advised to allow plenty of extra time and to consider alternative routes.’
Delays are building up in the area in both directions, with rush hour traffic snarling back to junction 10.
Sussex Police said: ‘The southbound carriageway there is likely to be closed all morning following the collision, which happened just before 1am.
‘Diversions are in place and motorists are encouraged to plan alternative routes.’
The force asked any eyewitnesses or motorists with dashcam footage to get in touch.
A stretch of the M23 is also closed at junction 8 for the M25, but it is not known whether this is related to the same incident.
Diversion route for drivers during M23 closure
National Highways has shared this route for motorists:
- Follow the hollow diamond symbol on road signs
- Exit the M25 at J6 and take the A22 southbound towards Eastbourne
- Remain on the A22 for approximately nine miles, passing through South Godstone and Blindley Heath, to reach the junction with the A264 at Felbridge
- At the traffic lights with the A264, turn right towards Crawley/Gatwick Airport
- Remain on the A264 for approximately 5 miles, passing Copthorne, to reach J10 of the M23 to continue your journey
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