Man arrested after M23 crash which killed highways worker

Emergency services were called in the early hours to a collision between a van and a highways worker on the southbound carriageway.

14:09, 08 Jul 2026

Queues on the M23(Image: National Highways via Traffic Cameras UK )

A man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a highways worker was killed in a crash on the M23.[1]

Emergency services were called shortly before 1am to the collision on the southbound carriagew[2] ay at Junction 9 that also involved a van.

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[3] or anyone who has dashcam footage, to come forward."

The driver of the van, a 38-year-old man from Croydon, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.

He remains in custody at this time.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to email: [email protected], quoting Operation Oakcross.

You can get updates on the travel situation here: M23 closed following fatal crash near Gatwick Airport[4]

Police have also confirmed that the investigation at the scene was stopped shortly before midday.

References

1. ^ M23. (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
2. ^ collision on the southbound carriagew (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
3. ^ collision (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
4. ^ M23 closed following fatal crash near Gatwick Airport (www.getsurrey.co.uk)