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MP Gordon Henderson vows to fight for answers on Sheppey Crossing crash

MP Gordon Henderson has said he will continue to push for the results of an investigation into the Sheppey Crossing crash.

More than 100 cars were involved in the accident, one of Britain’s largest ever, which happened during thick fog on the morning of Thursday, September 5.

About 40 people were taken to hospital, eight with serious injuries, although no one was killed.

The scene of the Sheppey Crossing crash
The scene of the Sheppey Crossing crash

Mr Henderson wrote to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin earlier this year asking him to review the crash and safety on the bridge.

He received a response from his colleague, Transport minister Robert Goodwill, saying the police are still undertaking their investigation, after which the Highways Agency will look at whether further safety measures are needed for the bridge.

Mr Henderson says he then spoke to Mr Goodwill and has written another letter, but is yet to receive a reply.

Trail of wrecked cars on the Sheppey Crossing
Trail of wrecked cars on the Sheppey Crossing
Aftermath of the Sheppey Crossing crash. Picture: Martin Stammers
Aftermath of the Sheppey Crossing crash. Picture: Martin Stammers

He said: “I have a great deal of sympathy for the police in this because of the number of vehicles involved. Each individual impact has to be investigated."

He said because it was such a major accident, he can appreciate the length of time it is taking.

“But obviously I want to keep putting pressure on,” he added.

It is hoped that once a full report is finished, an informed review of the crossing’s safety can start to be made.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson
Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson

Mr Henderson added: “One of the things I really do hope it does is give us an indication as to why the bridge wasn’t closed off sooner and whether steps will be taken in the future to make sure the bridge is closed as soon as possible.”

The question over delays in shutting it - where traffic would have been directed over the Kingsferry Bridge - was raised by Sheppey firefighters, who attended the crash, when they met with the MP recently.

Other possible measures which have been suggested include matrix signs to give advance warning of potential hazards.

Mr Henderson said the financial cost of the crash may never be ascertained as it is dependent on the individual insurance claims for the vehicles, just as the “personal cost” on the state of mind of those involved would remain an unknown quantity.


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