A horrifying incident involving a 15-car pileup occurred on the M23, resulting in 34 people sustaining injuries.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the distressing collision near Pease Pottage, situated between junctions 10 and 11, around 5:40 pm.
According to an eyewitness, a hailstorm preceded the crash, coating the roads with “two inches of ice.”
The entire roadway was reportedly strewn with debris, with vehicles including vans, cars, and a minibus overturned and scattered across the carriageway.
An air ambulance was dispatched to the scene, where several injured individuals were observed.
A witness named Siena, who was driving with her boyfriend at the time, recounted the harrowing experience: “It had been raining heavily, and then suddenly, the road became ice-covered. My boyfriend hit the brakes, causing multiple cars to stop, and we skidded momentarily. Then, smoke and debris filled the air, with cars overturned and people struggling to exit vehicles.”
She described scenes of shock, with injured individuals seeking assistance amidst damaged vehicles spanning approximately 100 meters.
Sussex Police spokesperson issued a statement urging motorists to avoid the area due to the closure of both carriageways between junctions 10 and 11, with emergency services attending to multiple casualties.
An update from authorities confirmed the reopening of the southbound carriageway, while the northbound section between junctions 10 and 11 remained closed. Approximately 34 individuals were receiving treatment from ambulance services, with no reported life-threatening injuries. Motorists were advised to steer clear of the affected area.
Roger Williams reported to ITV Meridian, stating, “Over 30 vehicles have been involved in the collision. Vans are overturned, and a minibus is flipped upside down. I observed at least five vehicles spun around, facing the wrong direction, while debris litters the entire carriageway. A hailstorm occurred, leaving the road covered in two inches of ice, yet some drivers continued to speed through it.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue confirmed their presence at the scene, stating, “We are currently responding to a road traffic collision involving numerous vehicles between Junctions 10 and 11 of the M23 at Pease Pottage. Please avoid this area.”
An update from officials indicated the closure of the northbound carriageway of the M23 just beyond Junction 11, advising motorists to seek alternative routes. Additionally, delays were reported on the A2011 as drivers diverted away from the incident.
A spokesperson for the South East Coast Ambulance service provided an update, stating, “We are still present at the scene of a multi-vehicle road traffic collision on the M23 between junctions 10 and 11. We are assessing and providing treatment to multiple casualties and advise the public to steer clear of the affected area
