M23 crash: 15-car pile up sparks huge delays on major UK motorway
At least 15 vehicles have been involved in the smash after heavy rain was reported in the area.
At least 15 vehicles have been involved in a horror smash on the M23 in Sussex this evening.
Reports of heavy rain in the area were recorded before the smash which has closed the busy highway both ways between junction 10 and 11 for Pease Pottage.
ITV Meridian reported a spokesperson for Sussex Police there are multiple casualties being treated by the ambulance service.
They said: “We have closed the M23 in both directions between Junctions 10 and 11 following a serious collision this evening. Emergency services were called at around 5.40pm to a collision involving around 15 vehicles.
“The ambulance service is assessing and treating multiple casualties. We are asking the public to avoid the area at this time and to expect significant disruption.
“Thank you for your patience while this is ongoing.”
South East Coast Ambulance said in a statement: "We are currently in attendance of a multi-vehicle RTC on the M23 between junction 10 and 11 of the M23 at Pease Pottage.
"We remain at the scene of a multi-vehicle RTC on the M23 between junction 10 and 11. We are assessing and treating multiple casualties and urge people to avoid the area."
West Sussex Fire and Rescue echoed the calls for people to avoid the area, writing in a statement: "We are currently in attendance at an RTC involving multiple vehicles between Junctions 10 and 11 of the M23 at Pease Pottage. Please avoid the area."
The fire service added: "The M23 northbound carriageway just north of Junction 11 is closed. Please find alternative routes."
This live blog is now closed, please read the live coverage below...
Southbound section of road reopens
The southbound section of the M23 which was closed following the crash has now reopened.
Police are still urging drivers to avoid the area, with long delays on the road.
Junctions 10 and 11 northbound remain closed and are unlikely to reopen for hours.
The southbound carriageway of the M23 has reopened after a collision involving multiple vehicles.
\u2014 Sussex Police (@sussex_police) March 1, 2024
Junctions 10 and 11 northbound remain closed.
Around 34 people are being treated by the ambulance service, with no life-threatening injuries.
Please continue to avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/zv7WkffABx
Road will not fully reopen for at least another two hours
National Highways says the M23 northbound will remain closed for at least another two hours.
It said the earliest time the section of road could reopen would be 11.15pm.
Four taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries
Four people have been taken to hospital following this evening's crash, South East Coast Ambulance has confirmed.
It said as many as 30 more people were being treated for minor injuries.
The ambulance service said in a statement on Twitter: "Following the multi-vehicle RTC on the M23 this evening, we have taken 4 patients to hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.
"A further approximately 30 patients are being assessed for minor injuries and will be taken to hospital or discharged from our care."
UPDATE: Following the multi-vehicle RTC on the M23 this evening, we have taken 4 patients to hospital with believed to be non life-threatening injuries. A further approx. 30 patients are being assessed for minor injuries and will be taken to hospital or discharged from our care.
\u2014 South East Coast Ambulance (@SECAmbulance) March 1, 2024
Ambulance service says treating
South East Coast Ambulance said on X: "We remain at the scene of a multi-vehicle RTC on the M23 between junction 10 and 11.
"We are assessing and treating multiple casualties and urge people to avoid the area."
Driver on M23 says it's 'worst pile up he's seen'
A driver who shared an image from the scene of the M23 smash said it was the 'worst pile he's seen'.
Roger Williams posted on the site X: "My thoughts with all those involved in the multi car pile up in the M23 at Pease Pottage.
"Worst pile up I've seen in 62yrs on this planet. Awful."
Sussex Police statement
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Sussex Police said: "The M23 is closed both ways between J10 and J11 after a collision involving around 15 vehicles.
"Emergency services were called at 5.40pm and the ambulance service is treating multiple casualties. Please avoid the area and expect disruption.
"Thank you for your patience."
The M23 is closed both ways between J10 and J11 after a collision involving around 15 vehicles.
\u2014 Sussex Police (@sussex_police) March 1, 2024
Emergency services were called at 5.40pm and the ambulance service is treating multiple casualties.
Please avoid the area and expect disruption. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/adyX6EWCYi
Welcome to our live coverage
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of this incident after a huge 15 car pile-up on a major UK motorway.
Follow our blog for regular updates.