A 65-year-old highways worker from Kent was killed on the M23 near Gatwick Airport in the early hours of Wednesday after being struck by a van. The crash happened shortly before 1am on the southbound carriageway at junction 9 for Crawley and Gatwick. Sussex Police confirmed the collision was fatal, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the van, a 38-year-old man from Croydon, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving. He remains in police custody.
“Highways worker, 65, killed after being hit by van on M23 near Gatwick; driver arrested.”
National Highways shut the M23 between junction 8 (M25) and junction 10 (Crawley), warning the road would remain closed until at least early afternoon. The southbound carriageway at junction 9 is likely to be closed all morning, with diversions in place. Motorists heading to London Gatwick – the UK’s second-busiest airport – were told to allow extra time and consider alternative routes.
Sergeant Chris Ambrose said: 'A highways worker, a 65-year-old man from Kent, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time. We are fully investigating the circumstances and we ask anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who has dashcam footage, to come forward.'
Delays quickly built up, with congestion on the M25 in both directions stretching back as far as junction 5 for the M26 in Kent. Traffic cameras showed trucks backed up in a queue on the M23, with drivers standing outside their vehicles and a police car at the scene near junction 9.
London Gatwick issued a statement advising: 'Anyone driving to London Gatwick this morning (8 July) is advised to leave more time for their journey due to a serious road traffic collision. The M23 in Surrey is closed southbound between J8 (near Merstham) and J10 (Crawley).'
Police have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage as the investigation continues.
