M23 Accident Today Latest Update: A fatal collision on the M23 highway near Gatwick Airport has taken a major turn after Sussex Police arrested the driver of a van on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving. The victim, a highways worker from Kent, died at the scene after being struck on the southbound carriageway near Junction 9.
The incident has forced the closure of a busy stretch of the M23 between Junctions 8 and 10, triggering severe congestion around Gatwick Airport, Crawley and the M25. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Van Driver Arrested
Sussex Police have arrested a 38-year-old man from Croydon following the fatal collision on the M23 near Gatwick Airport.
The man, who was driving the van involved in the incident, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving. Detectives confirmed that he remains in police custody while officers continue questioning him and gathering evidence.
The arrest came shortly after emergency services responded to reports of the collision on the southbound carriageway at Junction 9. Specialist collision investigators are now working to determine exactly what led to the fatal incident.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Who Was the Victim in the M23 Crash Near Gatwick Airport?
Police confirmed that the victim was a 65-year-old highways worker from Kent who was carrying out road-related duties when the collision occurred.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed, and specially trained officers are providing support to his next of kin.
Authorities have not released the victim’s identity publicly out of respect for his family.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: What Happened Near Gatwick Airport?
The fatal crash occurred shortly before 1 am BST on Wednesday on the M23 southbound at Junction 9 near Crawley and Gatwick Airport.
Emergency services, including Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and National Highways Traffic Officers, rushed to the scene after receiving reports that a van had struck a highways worker.
The motorway was immediately closed to allow paramedics to respond and to enable collision investigators to carry out detailed forensic examinations. Recovery teams also began removing debris and securing the area.
Police are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances that led to the crash and have not yet confirmed how the collision happened.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Sussex Police Statement
Sussex Police confirmed that officers are treating the incident as a fatal road traffic collision and have launched a full investigation.
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.”
He added, “We are fully investigating the circumstances, and we ask anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who has dashcam footage to come forward.”
He further said, “The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 is likely to be closed, with diversions, until late morning, and motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes.”
Police say specialist officers will continue examining the scene until all evidence has been collected.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Witness Appeal
Detectives are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant information to assist with the investigation.
Motorists travelling through the area before or around the time of the collision are being urged to check any dashcam recordings that may have captured the incident or the moments leading up to it.
Anyone with information is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Oakcross. Investigators believe public footage could play a key role in establishing exactly what happened.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Closed & Affected Roads
The collision has forced the closure of a significant section of the M23 southbound. The affected stretch includes:
- Junction 8 – M25 (Merstham)
- Junction 9 – Gatwick Airport/Crawley
- Junction 10 – A264 Crawley
The closure has also affected traffic moving through nearby sections of the M25, with long queues reported around the interchange connecting both motorways. National Highways said the motorway will remain closed until Sussex Police complete their investigation and recovery operations.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Diversion Routes
National Highways has introduced an official diversion route for motorists travelling south. Drivers are advised to:
- Leave the M25 at Junction 6
- Follow the A22 southbound towards Eastbourne
- Continue along the A264 through Copthorne
- Rejoin the M23 at Junction 10 near Crawley
Motorists should also follow the hollow diamond diversion symbols displayed on roadside signs. Authorities have advised drivers to avoid the affected area wherever possible.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: Traffic Delays
The motorway closure has caused major disruption across Surrey and West Sussex throughout the day. Long traffic queues have formed on:
- M23 southbound
- M25 approaching the M23 junction
- A23 and surrounding local roads
- Routes leading to Gatwick Airport
Drivers travelling to Gatwick Airport have been advised to leave much earlier than usual, while commuters have been encouraged to consider alternative routes to avoid lengthy delays.
Traffic conditions are expected to remain challenging until the motorway fully reopens.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: When Will the M23 Motorway Reopen?
National Highways has not announced a confirmed reopening time for the affected section of the motorway.
Officials previously indicated that the carriageway was expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon, although the timeline depends on the progress of the police investigation and vehicle recovery work.
The motorway will only reopen once forensic investigators complete their examination of the crash site and the damaged van has been removed safely.
Motorists are advised to monitor live traffic updates before beginning their journeys.
M23 Accident Today Latest Update: What’s Next?
Police will continue questioning the arrested driver while forensic teams analyse evidence collected from the crash scene.
Investigators are expected to review dashcam footage, CCTV recordings and witness statements to determine exactly what caused the collision.
Meanwhile, National Highways will continue working with Sussex Police to reopen the motorway as soon as it is safe to do so. Drivers heading towards Gatwick Airport and Crawley should continue checking official traffic updates, as delays and diversion routes are expected to remain in place until the investigation concludes.
