M20 stretch closed after tractor falls from motorway overbridge and man in ‘critcal but stable’ condition airlifted to hospital
A tractor driver is in "critical but stable condition" after his vehicle fell from a bridge into the central reservation of a motorway during a crash. The M20 is closed in both directions between Junction 3 (Addington) and Junction 1 (Swanley) following the crash.
Police say a man has been airlifted to King's College hospital where he remains in a "critical but stable condition". His next of kin are aware.
Officers were first called just after 11.15am today (August 18). The force confirmed the tractor was the only vehicle involved in the accident in A227 Gravesend Road, which is also closed. It added that the tractor became separated from its trailer and then fell onto the central reservation between Junction 2 and Junction 3 of the M20.
The fire service said its crews had "extracted" one person from a vehicle after the incident. It said the road is expected to be closed for four to six hours. At 4pm, National Highways said a "significant" recovery and repair operation would be ongoing for "some time".
A diversion is in place.
Police are now appealing for witness of the accident to come forward. Anyone with information is urged to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 18-0475. Drivers with dashcam, who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, are also asked to check for footage.
Patrick Lohlein lives in Wrotham village and attended the site of the incident after hearing lots of commotion, a helicopter and sirens which "wouldn't stop".
He said: "When I came to see what was going on, I saw that a tractor had fallen off the bridge onto the central reservation. "By that time, the tractor was empty and the helicopter was taking off." The local resident says there are lots of farmers in the area who have to use the busy road.
He said: "We do get accidents frequently down here and unfortunately I think it's only going to get busier."
Patrick commended the efforts of the emergency services who responded "very quickly" adding: "They did a very good job, with the air ambulance, of getting the chap out alive I understand."
The ambulance service said: "Multiple crews, a critical care paramedic and The Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex attended the scene and the driver of the tractor was airlifted to King's College Hospital with serious injuries." Pictures show an overturned vehicle on an overbridge surrounded by police and Kent Fire and Rescue teams. They also show the moment when the trailer's cargo - raspberry packets - fell onto the road as emergency services try to clear the bridge.
On X, KCC Highways said the A20 is also closed between the A227 junctions.
"Emergency services, National Highways and KCC Highways are attending. Expect delays in the area," it added.
National Highways said the closure followed a collision, "resulting in a vehicle falling from an overbridge". The body said in an update posted on socual media at 8.20pm: "Emergency resurfacing works and barrier repairs will be ongoing until at least 11pm tonight."
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible.
A diversion is in place while the roads are made safe and both the trailer and the vehicle are recovered.