M20 closure RECAP as tractor falls from bridge sparking traffic chaos

The M20 has been brought to a standstill this afternoon with a large section closed in both directions [1] after a tractor plunged from a bridge in a horror collision. The area between Swanley and Addington, Kent [2], is set to be closed for at least four hours while emergency services work at the scene. National Highways said: "The M20 in Kent is closed in both directions between J3 (Addington) and J1 (Swanley) following a collision, resulting in a vehicle falling from an overbridge.

"Emergency services including Kent Police [3] are in attendance [...] Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

16:52Anders Anglesey

Drivers told to expect delays

Drivers have been told they should expect delays on surrounding routes near the site of the crash. The latest update from KCC Highways said: "Due to an overturned vehicle, M20 is closed in both directions between J3 & J1. The A20 is also closed between A227 junctions.

Emergency services, National Highways & KCC attending. Expect delays in the surrounding areas."

16:28Anders Anglesey

M20 remains closed following collision

Naional Highways South East said the M20 remains closed following the crash earlier today. A spokesperson said in a post shared to its X/Twitter account: "The #M20 [4] is remains closed in both directions between J3 (#Addington [5]) & J1 (#Swanley [6]) following a collision involving a vehicle which has fallen from an overbridge.

A significant recovery and repair operation will be ongoing for some time"

The tractor fell from the A227 overbridge (Elevate Drones / SWNS)16:14Anders Anglesey

What we know so far about the crash

A man has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following the crash. Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash near Wrothamat about 11:20am today. A tractor fell onto the central reservation from the A227 overbridge.

Kent Police attended the scene alongside paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service and Ken Fire and Rescue Service crews.

16:06Anders Anglesey

Police remain at scene

Kent Police remain at the site of the crash. The force said the M20 and A227 would remain closed until the evening while emergency services deal with the incident after a tractor fell onto the central motorway from an overbridge.

15:08KEY EVENT

Image shows fallen tractor at scene of horror collision

The tractor crashed through the barriers and fell onto the carriageway (UKNIP)15:05Zahra Khaliq

Two lorries involved in the crash

Two lorries were involved in a collision on the overhead bridge. One then tipped on its side, causing the tractor - which was attached to the back of one HGV - to fall onto the busy carriageway below.

15:01Zahra Khaliq

Gridlock traffic seen in both directions of the M20

Traffic seen in both directions of the M20 in Kent14:52KEY EVENT

Man airlifted to hospital with serious injuries

A man has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a two-vehicle collision which caused a tractor to fall off a bridge and onto the central reservation between junction two and three of the M20.

Kent Police said in a statement: "Kent Police is currently attending the scene alongside Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service, where one man has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries."

14:50KEY EVENT

Crash involving lorry caused tractor to plunge from bridge

Traffic data company Inrix says a lorry was involved in the collision which caused the tractor to plunge from the motorway bridge. Images from the scene show a large emergency service response against the backdrop of gridlock traffic.

A lorry seen at the top of the bridge where the tractor fell (UKNIP)14:44Zahra Khaliq

Drivers urged to re-route or delay their journeys

Drivers have been urged to plan ahead, re-route or even delays their journeys after a tractor fell from a brigde onto the M20 this afternoon. National Highways said: "The M20 in Kent is closed in both directions between J3 (Addington) and J1 (Swanley) following a collision, resulting in a vehicle falling from an overbridge.

"Emergency services including Kent Police are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management. If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.

Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

14:38KEY EVENT

Closure to last for at least four hours

The M20 between Swanley and Addington in Kent is expected to be closed for at least four hours.

According to traffic data company Inrix, a lorry was involved in the collision, causing the tractor to fall from the motorway bridge.

14:20Zahra Khaliq

What section of the M20 is closed?

The M20 in Kent is closed in both directions between J3 (Addington) and J1 (Swanley) following a collision, resulting in a vehicle falling from an overbridge.

A tractor has plunged from a bridge on the motorway

References

^ closed in both directions (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ Kent (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ Kent Police (www.mirror.co.uk)
^ #M20 (x.com)
^ #Addington (x.com)
^ #Swanley (x.com)