Gatwick Airport near miss: Torrential rain triggers motorway mayhem with scores injured

In a harrowing event that gripped Sussex, the M23 motorway became the stage for a devastating multi-vehicle collision, leaving the area in shock and the nation watching in disbelief. Near Gatwick Airport, a catastrophic chain reaction involving at least 24 vehicles unfolded, bringing traffic to a standstill and emergency services rushing to the scene.

The incident, which occurred amid relentless torrential rain, resulted in more than 40 individuals requiring medical attention, painting a grim picture of the chaos that ensued on that fateful stretch between junctions 10 and 11 for Pease Pottage. Witnesses at the scene described a scene of destruction, with vehicles entangled and the air filled with the urgent calls of paramedics and the distressed voices of those caught in the calamity.

Sussex Police swiftly responded, issuing an urgent appeal to motorists to steer clear of the area as they, along with the ambulance service, grappled with the aftermath of the crash. “The M23 is closed both ways… Emergency services were called at 5.40pm and the ambulance service is treating multiple casualties,” the police statement read, highlighting the severity of the situation.

As the evening wore on, the South East Coast Ambulance service confirmed the dire nature of the incident, reporting that four individuals had been transported to hospital with injuries thankfully deemed non-life-threatening. Yet, the spectre of approximately 30 others assessed for minor injuries lingered, a stark reminder of the crash’s impact.

In an update that provided a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy, Sussex Police later announced the reopening of the southbound carriageway, though the northbound lanes remained shuttered. Remarkably, despite the scale of the incident, there were no fatalities, and injuries were not life-threatening, a testament to the quick response and professionalism of the emergency services at the scene.

The crash not only disrupted countless journeys but also served as a sombre reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety, especially under adverse weather conditions. The community’s thoughts are with those affected, as the investigation into the precise cause of this major pile-up continues.

As the M23 begins to recover from this tragic event, the focus shifts to supporting the injured and reflecting on measures to prevent future occurrences. The resilience of those involved and the tireless efforts of the emergency responders shine as beacons of hope in the face of such a disaster.