Multiple crashes on M3 shuts three junctions after major diesel leak from coach
MULTIPLE cars have skidded and crashed on the M3 because of a coach leaking diesel, closing three major junctions.
Highways England said the junction won't reopen until after midnight
The M3 motorway now remains closed between Junction 7 (Basingstoke) and Junction 4 (Farnborough).
Highways England said the motorway will not be cleared until after midnight.
It is believed a coach leaked diesel along the motorway from around Junction 7 but the driver did not realise until it reached Fleet Services.
The spillage caused several accidents as vehicles skidded on the diesel, Eagle Radio reports.
There is a large amount of congestion in the area.
Highways England said that the spillage was “substantial” and as of 10.30pm they advised drivers between Junctions 9 and 4 that it was expected to clear between 12.45 am and 1 am.
Drivers have been stuck in traffic for hours.
On Twitter, Christine Ing said: “Wondering how it takes until 11 pm to clear up a traffic accident on the m3. Been sat here for ages already.
The M3 is currently closed for an incident. https://t.co/MSnCZWDnN7
— Highways England (@HighwaysEngland) 20 August 2017
Sharon Wilde said: “Sitting in a traffic jam on m3 on Sunday night #notfun #m3accident.”
And Felicity Maidment said: “How illegal is it to drive down the hard shoulder in standstill traffic because I am so desperate for a wee! #London #traffic #M3.”
Normal traffic conditions are expected between 1.45am and 2.00am on Monday morning.
Drivers have been told to avoid the motorway and seek alternative routes.
The Highways Agency said that the spillage was substantial
How illegal is it to drive down the hard shoulder in standstill traffic because I am so desperate for a wee! #London #traffic #M3
— Felicity Maidment (@FlissMaidment) 20 August 2017
The M3 eastbound entry slip at Junction 9 was expected to clear and return to normal between 12.15am and 12.30am.
There is no information about how bad the crashes were, or when the road will reopen.
It is not known if anyone was injured in the vehicle collisions.