Heavy traffic and delays built up on the M2 in Kent this afternoon following a crash involving multiple vehicles. The incident occurred eastbound, from Junction 2 for Strood and Rochester to Junction 3 for Chatham. As a result of the collision, the motorway was closed, and a vehicle was reported to be on fire. Traffic information service Inrix described it as a "serious accident."
Witnesses reported that the accident took place around 4:12 PM, leading to significant congestion in the area. Vehicles trapped within the closed stretch of the M2 were being released, according to Inrix. The service noted, "M2 coastbound closed, queueing traffic due to vehicle fire and serious accident, multiple vehicles involved from J2 A228 Sundridge Hill (Strood/Rochester) to J3 (Chatham/Rochester)." Traffic was diverted off the M2 at Junction 1, with drivers advised to follow the Solid Circle diversion symbol on road signs.
Motorists were directed to exit the M2 at Junction 1 and enter the A289 heading eastbound. They were to remain on the A289, negotiating the roundabout at Four Elms, the Medway Tunnel, Lower Gillingham, Yokosuku Way, and Ito Way before meeting the roundabout junction with the A2. From there, drivers were to take the A2 eastbound to the roundabout with the A278 and finally take the A278 southbound to re-join the M2 at Junction 4.
According to National Highways, emergency services, including Kent Police, were on the scene assisting with traffic management. A police spokesman confirmed, "Police were called at 4:12 PM on April 16, following a collision involving two cars on the coastbound M2, between junctions 2 and 3." He added that officers, fire, and ambulance crews were at the scene, and a woman had been taken to the hospital.
As traffic continued to build, the AA reported severe delays of up to eleven minutes on the M2 eastbound between Junction 1 A2 (Strood) and Junction 3 (Chatham/Rochester), with an average speed of just five mph. Motorists were warned to expect further delays as congestion spread to surrounding roads, including the A2 and routes around Wainscott, Strood, and Rochester.
By the evening, the M2 was reported closed in both directions near Chatham, with emergency vehicles struggling to navigate through the heavy traffic. The situation was exacerbated by the diversion route through the Medway Tunnel, which became heavily congested.
One driver described the scene, stating, "There is a large emergency service presence with several police, ambulance, and fire vehicles heading to the crash. An air ambulance was also spotted on the scene and is en route to London." This underscores the seriousness of the incident and the swift response from emergency services.
As the situation developed, KCC Highways advised drivers to expect delays and remain patient as the emergency services continued their work. The closure of the M2 has not only affected those directly involved in the accident but has also caused ripple effects throughout the local traffic network, with many drivers searching for alternative routes.
While the exact details surrounding the crash remain unclear, the quick action of emergency responders has been crucial in managing the situation. National Highways confirmed the closure of the M2 eastbound between Junctions 2 and 3 due to the collision, and they continue to monitor the situation closely.
As of now, drivers are urged to stay updated through traffic information services and to plan their journeys accordingly, as delays are expected to persist throughout the evening. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel and the importance of safety on the highways.
In summary, the M2 incident today has led to significant traffic disruptions and a serious emergency response. As authorities work to clear the scene and manage the aftermath, motorists are left to navigate the challenging conditions left in the wake of the crash.
