Police have launched a witness appeal after a lorry overturned on a slip-road, causing major disruption and a 12-hour closure of the M20..

The serious crash happened on the coastbound exit at junction 9 of the motorway near Ashford.

The coastbound carriageway was closed from 3.15pm on Thursday, with drivers having to turn off at junction 8 in Maidstone and follow a diversion along the A20.

Emergency crews, including police, paramedics and firefighters, were called to the scene.

The road remained closed until just before 4am today (Friday), when National Highways confirmed the carriageway had reopened.

Police have since launched an appeal for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 3.16pm on Thursday 5 June 2025 to a collision on the junction nine slip road of the M20 coastbound.

“Officers attended the scene alongside South East Coast Ambulance Service and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service where a lorry was found to have left the carriageway.

“An investigation into the circumstances is underway.”

Anyone who saw what happened or who may have dashcam footage of the vehicle before the incident is urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 quoting reference SM/HM/038/25, or email sciu.td@kent.police.uk.

Dashcam footage can be uploaded via the police’s online portal here.

No details have been given about the condition of the lorry driver or the extent of any injuries.

The crash caused major disruption for drivers, with traffic queuing back for more than 17 miles to the Aylesford and A229 junction at junction 6.

National Highways said at the time: “The M20 is closed eastbound following a serious collision involving an HGV.

“Kent Police are at the scene while investigations take place, working alongside National Highways Traffic Officers who are assisting with traffic management.

“Due to the severity of the incident, the closure is likely to remain ongoing for a protracted amount of time.”

A diversion was put in place, taking drivers off the motorway at junction 8 and down the A20 to Ashford.

A spokeswoman for the fire service added: “We were called at 3.21pm to assist police following reports of a crash on the M20 coastbound, near junction 9 for Ashford.

“Three fire engines and the technical rescue unit are in attendance.”

Traffic information site Inrix said a lorry overturned on the route.