M23 closed: Van driver arrested after highways worker killed in crash near Gatwick Airport

A van driver has been arrested after a highways worker was killed in a crash on the M23.

Emergency services responded to reports of a collision between a van and a highways worker on the Junction 9 southbound carriageway at 1am on Wednesday.

A 65-year-old man from Kent was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 38-year-old man from Croydon, who was the driver of the van, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving.

He remains in custody as detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Sussex Police’s 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.

“The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 is likely to be closed, with diversions, until late morning, and motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes.”

The road closure is causing delays for motorists while police officers remain at the scene. A spokesperson for National Highways warned drivers heading to London Gatwick Airport this morning should allow plenty of extra time and to consider alternative routes.

A spokesperson said: “The M23 in Surrey is closed southbound between J8 (near Merstham) and J10 (Crawley) due to a serious road traffic collision which occurred shortly before 1am this morning.

“The carriageway was fully closed at around 1.20am this morning whilst Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service responded and attended the scene of a single vehicle collision.

“National Highways Traffic Officers were immediatley dispatched to support the emergency services and remain in attendance assisting with traffic management.

“Due to the serious nature of the incident, Sussex Police investigations remain ongoing and will continue to take place throughout the day. The carriageway is expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon.”

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage are being asked to email police at collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Oakcross.