M23 accident: Multiple people injured after 15-car pile up at rush hour sparks bumper-to-bumper traffic & road closures
A HORROR smash involving 15 cars has closed parts of the M23 as casualties are being treated at the chaotic scene.
Emergency services arrived at the terrifying pile up at Pease Pottage between J10 and J11 at around 5.40pm.
According to an eyewitness, there had been a hail storm in the minutes leading up to the crash with “two inches of ice” on the roads.
It has been reported the entire carriageway is now covered in debris from the shocking crash.
Vans, cars and a minibus were seen flipped upside down and laying on their sides.
An air ambulance is also at the scene and there are several injured people still at the crash site, The Argus reports.
The exact number of causalities and the extent of their injuries is yet to be confirmed.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “The M23 is closed both ways between J10 and J11 after a collision involving around 15 vehicles.
“Emergency services were called at 5.40pm and the ambulance service is treating multiple casualties.
“Please avoid the area and expect disruption. Thank you for your patience.”
Eyewitness Roger Williams, told ITV Meridian: “Has to be 30 plus vehicles smashed.
“There’s vans on their sides, a minibus upside down.
“I counted five facing the wrong way after spinning but the whole carriageway covered in debris.
“There was a hail storm. The carriageway was covered in two inches of ice and people were speeding through it.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue have confirmed: “We are currently in attendance at an RTC involving multiple vehicles between Junctions 10 and 11 of the M23 at Pease Pottage. Please avoid the area.”
“The M23 northbound carriageway just north of Junction 11 is closed. Please find alternative routes,” a spokesperson wrote in an update.
Delays have now also been reported on the A2011 as motorists avoid the scene.
A spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance service said: “We remain at the scene of a multi-vehicle RTC on the M23 between junction 10 and 11.
“We are assessing and treating multiple casualties and urge people to avoid the area.”
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