M2 coastbound closed between Junctions 5 for Sittingbourne and Junction 6 at Faversham after collision
A crash closed part of the M2 for almost nine hours, leaving drivers stuck in the queues. The coastbound stretch between Junction 5 at Sittingbourne and Junction 6 for Faversham was shut after the accident at about 4.45pm.
An air ambulance was called and the casualty was airlifted to hospital after being rescued from the crash wreckage by firefighters. There were also heavy delays on the London-bound stretch after reports of a separate collision.
The accident happened halfway between Sittingbourne and Faversham, near the village of Lynsted. A police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 4.41pm to a report that a car had struck a barrier on the eastbound carriageway of the M2, between junctions 5 and 6. "Patrols, paramedics and fire crews attended the scene where a man and a woman were treated for injuries.
"The man was taken to a local hospital and the woman was flown by air ambulance to a London hospital for medical attention.
"The eastbound carriageway was closed while emergency services responded to the incident and arranged for recovery of the vehicle. One lane was opened from around 8.45pm with the other remaining closed to allow repairs to the barrier and removal of an oil spillage." The woman's injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.
Shannon O'Brien was one of those stuck on the M2. She said: "We've now been at a standstill for nearly three hours. "The emergency helicopter left the scene around 6.15pm and an ambulance was seen driving London-bound around 30 minutes after.
"Numerous highway safety vehicles were seen driving on the hard shoulder to assist. "No signs of movement and most vehicles, including my own, have had to turn off the engine to reserve fuel. "Two motorbike drivers were seen walking their bikes back on the hard shoulder at 7.33.
"The temperature is very cold out here. I do hope there is some sign of movement soon.
"Although inconvenient, I do hope that those involved are not seriously injured." Driver Alan Collins Rosell told KentOnline shortly after 6pm: "Currently sat on the M2 coastbound between J5 and J6.
"I've been stopped here for around 45 minutes. Saw the air ambulance coming into land about half an hour ago, but doesn't look like it's taken off again yet. "Two ambulances, two fire appliances and a fire car passed on the hard shoulder while I've been stopped here."
National Highways advised drivers to exit the M2 coastbound at Junction 5 and take the third exit at the roundabout onto the A249 towards Maidstone.
It said normal traffic conditions were not expected for several hours due to accident investigation work.
Picture: Chantel Parsons
Picture: Shannon O'Brien
As of 7.30pm, trapped traffic in both directions was being released from the back of the queues. All vehicles had been cleared by 9pm. At 8.11pm, National Highways said the London-bound carriageway had been reopened.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to reports of a crash involving one vehicle on the M2 between Junction 5 and 6, near Faversham.
"Three fire engines attended and crews used hydraulic equipment which allowed them to safely extricate the person, before handing them into the care of paramedics."
The coastbound M2 remained closed until just before 1.30am.