M20 shut as lorry overturns on slip-road at junction 9 in Ashford
A busy motorway is shut after a lorry overturned on a slip-road, causing major disruption with traffic queuing 16 miles away. The serious crash happened on the coastbound exit at junction 9 of the M20 in Ashford.
The coastbound carriageway has now been closed - and is expected to remain so for some time, with drivers having to turn off at junction 8 in Maidstone and follow a diversion along the A20. Emergency crews, including police and firefighters, are on the scene.
National Highways said: "The M20 is closed eastbound following a serious collision involving an HGV. "Kent Police are at the scene while investigations take place, working alongside National Highways Traffic Officers who are assisting with traffic management. "Due to the severity of the incident, the closure is likely to remain ongoing for a protracted amount of time."
A diversion has been put in place, taking drivers off the motorway at junction 8 and down the A20 to Ashford.
Traffic is now queuing beyond junction 8 (for the A20, Leeds Castle and Maidstone Services) to the turn-off for Maidstone and the A249 at junction 7 - more than 16 miles away.
A spokeswoman for the fire service added: "We were called at 3.21pm today to assist police following reports of a crash on the M20 coastbound, near junction 9 for Ashford. "Three fire engines and the technical rescue unit are in attendance." Traffic information site Inrix says a lorry has overturned on the route.
Picture: National Highways
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