Young woman dies after collision on M23 near Gatwick Airport
A young woman has died, and a driver was taken into police custody, after a collision on the M23.
Sussex Police launched an investigation after the ‘fatal single vehicle collision’, which has left a second passenger 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.
At the height of the incident, there were delays of more than two hours – with miles of congestion approaching the closure at J10.
Adding to the congestion locally, around 11.30am, was separate collision on the A23.
The AA reported: “Partially blocked and queuing traffic due to crash, a car and a lorry involved on A23 Perimeter Road northbound from (Gatwick Road roundabout) to Gatwick South Terminal.”
Sussex Police has been approached for comment about the A23 incident.