M23 Accident Today Latest Update: A fatal crash on the M23 near Gatwick Airport has caused major disruption after a van was involved in a serious collision on the southbound carriageway in the early hours of Wednesday. The motorway remains closed between key junctions as Sussex police investigate the incident and appeal for witnesses.
The M23 closure has led to long queues around Crawley, the M25 and Gatwick Airport, with National Highways urging motorists to use diversion routes and allow extra travel time.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: What Happened Near Gatwick Airport?
Emergency services were called to the M23 southbound near Junction 9 for Crawley shortly before 1 am BST on Wednesday after receiving reports of a serious single-vehicle collision. The incident happened close to Gatwick Airport and prompted a major emergency response involving Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and National Highways traffic officers.
Following the crash, police closed a large section of the motorway to allow forensic investigators to examine the scene. Authorities later confirmed that the collision was fatal and warned that the closure would remain in place for several hours while investigations continued.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: How Did the Crash Happen?
According to Sussex Police, the collision involved a single vehicle travelling on the southbound carriageway shortly before 1 am. Investigators are still working to establish exactly what caused the crash, and no official cause has been confirmed.
Police have launched a full collision investigation and are examining the scene while gathering evidence. Officers are also reviewing any available CCTV and dashcam footage to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Sussex Police Appeal for Witnesses
Sussex Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision or captured it on a dashcam to come forward. The force said, “Police are managing the scene of a fatal collision on the M23 southbound at Junction 9 at Crawley this morning, 8 July.”
It added, “The southbound carriageway there is likely to be closed all morning following the collision, which happened just before 1 am.”
Anyone with information or dashcam footage has been asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Oakcross.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Which Vehicle Was Involved in the Crash?
Authorities confirmed that the collision involved a van travelling on the southbound carriageway of the M23. Officials have not yet released further details about the vehicle or the identity of the person who died, pending notification of next of kin.
The damaged vehicle remains part of the ongoing police investigation as officers work to determine how the collision occurred.
M23 Accident Today Casualties & Injuries
Police have confirmed that the collision was fatal, with one person losing their life in the incident. No additional injuries have been officially confirmed at this stage.
Emergency responders remained at the scene for several hours while specialist officers carried out recovery operations and investigated the circumstances surrounding the crash.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Closed & Affected Roads
The southbound M23 remains closed between:
- Junction 8 (M25 near Merstham)
- Junction 9 (Gatwick Airport/Crawley)
- Junction 10 (A264 Crawley)
The closure has also caused significant congestion on nearby sections of the M25, particularly around the M23 interchange.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Traffic Delays & Congestion Around Gatwick Airport
Traffic around Gatwick Airport has been heavily affected throughout the morning due to the motorway closure.
Long queues have formed on the southbound M23 and nearby sections of the M25 as diverted traffic uses alternative routes.
Drivers travelling to Gatwick Airport have been advised to allow additional journey time and check live traffic updates before setting off.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Diversion Routes
National Highways has put an official diversion route in place for motorists travelling south. Drivers are advised to:
- Leave the M25 at Junction 6
- Follow the A22 southbound towards Eastbourne
- Continue via the A264 through Copthorne
- Rejoin the M23 at Junction 10 near Crawley
Motorists are also being urged to follow the hollow diamond diversion signs displayed on roadside information boards.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Why Is the Motorway Still Closed?
The motorway remains closed because Sussex Police are conducting a detailed forensic investigation into the fatal collision.
National Highways said emergency services responded to the incident shortly after 1:20 am, and the road cannot reopen until investigators complete their work and recovery teams safely remove the damaged vehicle.
Officials have urged drivers to remain patient while the investigation continues.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: When Will the Motorway Reopen Near Gatwick Airport?
Authorities have not announced an exact reopening time for the affected section of the M23.
National Highways previously indicated that the motorway could remain closed until late Wednesday afternoon, although this will depend on the progress of the police investigation and vehicle recovery operation. Drivers are advised to monitor official traffic updates before travelling.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Helpline Numbers
Sussex Police are asking witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact investigators.
Email (Witness Appeal): collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk (Quote: Operation Oakcross)
For traffic updates, motorists can also check National Highways’ live traffic service or local travel information before beginning their journey.
