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Coach crash on M25 near Swanley Interchange

A baby had a bumpy entry into the world after medics were forced to deliver it amid the carnage of a coach crash which left at least 41 people injureds.

Police tweeted to say a baby had been born at the dramatic scene on the M25 near the Swanley Interchange last night.

Paramedics said 31 adults and seven children were hurt in the crash, with three other people suffering serious injuries and being taken to hospital.

The Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington, which treated some of the injured, declared it a "major incident".

Work to recover the overturned coach
Work to recover the overturned coach

Motorists are advised to expect queues of one hour and 15 minutes after police closed the exit slip road at junction 3 for the M20 on the anti-clockwise carriageway.

Police confirmed the first and second lanes of the main carriageway were also shut following the crash, which happened at 4pm.

A spokesman said: "All people aboard the coach have been accounted for and a number of people have received treatment at the scene for minor injuries before being conveyed to local hospitals.

"A further three people have been taken to local hospitals with more serious injuries.

Long tailbacks following the crash. Pic: Highways England (3574226)
Long tailbacks following the crash. Pic: Highways England (3574226)

"Specialist recovery for the coach has been arranged however it is anticipated the slip road will remain closed for several hours.

It is believed the coach went over the hard shoulder barrier.

Congestion stretches back past junction 5 for the M26.

The crash scene. Picture: Highways England
The crash scene. Picture: Highways England

A Kent Fire and Rescue service spokesman said: "Three fire engines, several fire officers and KFRS' technical rescue team was sent to reports of a passenger coach leaving the anti-clockwise carriageway of the M25 near the A20 interchange at Swanley.

"Working closely with Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service, firefighters secured the vehicle and made the scene safe before assisting in the removal of casualties from inside the coach.

"Crews remain at the scene to assist partner agencies and keep the public safe."

Meanwhile, on the clockwise carriageway, one lane was closed on the exit slip road for junction 1a for Erith and Swanscombe, while a lorry has its tyre changed.

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