M23 incident: Everything we know so far as young woman dies and man arrested

A young woman has died, and a driver was taken into police custody, after a single-vehicle collision around 5am, on Thursday (April 2). A second passenger is in hospital with serious injuries.

The incident happened on the northbound carriageway, between junction ten (Crawley) and junction nine (London Gatwick Airport), just after 5am, on Thursday (April 2).

A police statement, posted on social media at 2.10pm, read: “A 23-year-old female passenger, from London, was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

“Her family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“A 23-year-old man from London, who was also a passenger, is being treated in hospital for serious injuries.

“The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man from London, has been arrested for causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He remains in custody at this time whilst the investigation continues.”

Sussex Police reported earlier, on Thursday, that the car – ‘carrying two men and a woman and travelling north’ – was in a ‘collision with the central reservation and a tree’.

Inspector Matt Wightwick said this is a ‘tragic incident’ and officers are ‘actively investigating the full circumstances of what happened’.

He added: “The victims and their families are at the forefront of our minds during what must be an unbelievably difficult time.

“We understand the impact the closure has had on people, especially those travelling to the airport, and appreciate their patience and understanding.

“The northbound carriageway will remain closed at this time for the on-going investigation and recovery of the vehicle. It will be opened as soon as it is safe and practical to do so."

Police are appealing for witnesses, including anyone with dashcam footage. If you can help, email [email protected], quoting serial Operation Dorset.

National Highways traffic officers assisted the emergency services with traffic management.

The government agency later reported that collision investigations were complete, along with recovery. A clean-up operation followed, with plans put in motion to re-open the carriageway.

An update shortly after 6pm read: “The M23 in West Sussex has re-opened northbound between J10 Crawley and J9 Gatwick following an earlier collision.”

The road was closed for more than 12 hours, whilst police collision investigation work took place.

Firefighters joined the emergency response.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service issued a social media statement, shortly after 6am.

This read: “The M23 northbound is closed between Junction 10 for Crawley and Junction 9 for Gatwick.

“The closure is likely to be in place for several hours. Please avoid the area.”

According to AA Traffic News, a car ‘left the road and hit a tree’ around 5.15am. Delays of more than two hours were reported at 9am.

The AA added: “Road closed and severe delays due to crash investigation work on M23 northbound from J10 A264 Copthorne Way (Crawley) to J9 (Gatwick Airport). Congestion to J10a (Crawley South / Balcombe).

“Severe delays of 150 minutes on M23 northbound between J11 A23 (Pease Pottage) and J9 (Gatwick Airport). Average speed five mph.”

National Highways provided updates on social media and on its website.

A statement, whilst the incident was ongoing, read: “The M23 in West Sussex is closed northbound between J10 (Crawley) and J9 (London Gatwick Airport) due a serious single vehicle collision.

“Emergency services including Sussex Police are on scene.

“National Highways traffic officers are also on scene and assisting the emergency services with traffic management.

“Due to the serious nature of the collision the road is expected to remain closed for several hours.

“There are delays of over 60 minutes and 4 miles of congestion approaching the closure at J10.”

Road users were advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs: “Exit the M23 at J10 and take the 3rd exit at the roundabout to head onto the eastbound A264. Follow the A264 to the junction with the A22 and turn left onto the A22. Continue on the A22 to the M25 J6 and join the M25. Follow the M25 clockwise to J7 to rejoin the M23 and continue your journey.”

Trapped traffic was reportedly being turned around in stages back to junction 10 Crawley. Long delays were reported from Manor Royal in Crawley.

National Highways added: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”

An update from Sussex Traffic Watch, at 12pm, read: “Road remains closed following an earlier serious rtc. [Traffic is] queuing from Pease Pottage junction 11.

"Exit at junction 11 and use the A23 and M23 Gatwick Spur to rejoin at junction nine northbound.”

Adding to the congestion locally, around 11.30am, was separate collision on the A23.

The AA reported: “Partially blocked and queueing traffic due to crash, a car and a lorry involved on A23 Perimeter Road northbound from (Gatwick Road roundabout) to Gatwick South Terminal. Since 11:30, heavier than normal due to the M23 closure.”

Sussex Police has been approached for comment about the A23 incident.