A major motorway has been partially closed after more than 30 vehicles were involved in a crash.
Emergency services were called to the M20 between junctions 9 and 8 near Hollingbourne in Maidstone, Kent following the incident reported at 6.41pm on Saturday evening.
Two people were found on the scene with serious injuries, one of whom is now being treated at a London hospital, while the other was taken to a local facility.
Some of the drivers of the other vehicles involved in the crash suffered non-serious injuries as a result of the collision, with 11 people treated by paramedics on the scene.
The road was shut in both directions as of Sunday morning, with National Highways saying it was likely to remain closed ‘for several hours while recovery and clear up operations continue’.
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Three fire engines, an air ambulance and a technical rescue unit were sent to the incident.
A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a serious collision involving multiple vehicles on the M20 London-bound carriageway, between Junction 9 and 8 near Hollingbourne, Maidstone.
‘Control operators sent three fire engines and the technical rescue unit to the scene, crews helped make sure everyone was safely out of the vehicles.
‘Officers from Kent Police are also in attendance, as well as the Highways Agency.
‘Eleven people were passed into the care of SECAmb paramedics and two have been taken to hospital.’
Kent Police said in a statement last night: ‘Road closures are in place on both the London-bound and coast-bound carriageways between junction 9 to 8 and these closures are likely to remain overnight while the incident is dealt with.
‘Motorists not involved in the incident should avoid the area and should seek alternative routes.
‘Anyone with information about the incident or who has dash cam footage can contact Kent Police via our live chat function quoting reference 07-1245.’
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