Two dead and seven injured in serious crash on M26

A 45-year-old man, believed to be a lorry driver, has been arrested in connection with a crash which killed a 16-year-old girl and 22-year-old woman, both from France, on the M26 in Kent, police have said.

Kent Police have arrested a man in connection with the multi vehicle crash that brought the M26 to a standstill yesterday.

Officers were called at 9:37am on Wednesday 16 April to a report of a multi-vehicle collision on the Londonbound carriageway of the M26, near Kemsing.

The collision involved five vehicles - two HGVs, two cars and a box van.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A section of the M26 closed following a serious crash yesterday which killed two people has now re-opened.

Two lorries, two cars and a box van were involved in the crash near Kemsing, Kent yesterday morning.

Seven people were also taken to hospital in a "serious condition" by South East Coast Ambulance Service following the crash.

The eastbound stretch was reopened yesterday evening but the London-bound carriage way where the crash happened was shut overnight.

Hundreds of motorists were stranded in traffic for several hours following the collision.

Any witnesses who may have seen the lead up to the collision or the crash itself should call 01622 798538.

Kent Police have confirmed that two people have died after the multi-vehicle crash on the M26 near Kemsing this morning.

The motorway Londonbound remains closed. It is expected to reopen by 10pm tonight. Diversions are in place with traffic being redirected back to join the M20 at Wrotham Heath.

One lane of the M26 eastbound has re-opened following a serious crash on the Kent motorway earlier today.

However, the westbound carriageway between the M20 and M25 remain closed as police continue to work on the scene of the crash.

The Highways Agency and its contractors are working with partners including the police, and other emergency services, to fully reopen the road as soon as it is safe to do so.

The carriageway is expected to remain closed for several hours to come.

Delays are approximately 20 minutes eastbound and 60 minutes westbound and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

The M26 Londonbound will remain closed until around 8pm tonight, according to Kent Police.

Traffic is being redirected to join the M20 at Wrotham Heath and traffic on the Coastbound side is being released past the scene.

One lane will be opened to new traffic afterwards.

Kent Police is now appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them.

Officers were called at 9:37am on Wednesday 16th April to a report of a multi-vehicle collision on the Londonbound carriageway of the M26, near Kemsing.

The collision involved five vehicles - two HGVs, two cars and a box van.