The M26 has reopened overnight following a crash yesterday afternoon.

It happened near junction 2A for Wrotham on the eastbound carriageway.

Eastbound the road was closed between M25/A21 and junction 3 for the M20. The westbound carriageway between junction three and 2A was closed to allow the air ambulance to land but reopened just before 5pm.

Fire crews were working to rescue three people from the accident. They were there for about an hour.

Paramedics from road and air ambulance were also at the scene. The condition of those involved in the crash remains unknown.

A police spokesman said: "The eastbound carriageway of the M26 motorway remains closed following a serious collision near junction 2A near Wrotham.

"The westbound carriageway has now reopened to traffic.

"The collision was reported to Kent Police at 1.05pm on Thursday 15 October and involved two vehicles.

"Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes, where possible."

An ambulance service spokesman said: "I can confirm we have responded to a serious collision on the M26 at junction 2A reported shortly after 1pm today.

"No further details are available at this stage."

There were up to 15 miles of queues back to junction 6 of the M25 and journeys were taking up to two hours longer than usual. The congestion had reduced to four hours by 8pm but still stretched back more than four miles.

A Highways England spokesman said: "The carriageway is expected to be closed throughout the evening to allow Kent Police to carry out collision investigation works.

"Once complete, Highways England contractors will attend to carry out clear-up works, with recovery also taking place."

Motorists travelling anti-clockwise on the M25 looking to access the M20 can continue to J3 (Swanley Interchange) and use the roundabout to join the M20.

Police have issued an appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage that shows the vehicles in the moments leading up to the crash to come forward.

The appeal line is 01622 798538 quoting reference 15-0563.

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