A serious multi-vehicle collision near Bluewater Shopping Centre on Sunday evening (December 22) resulted in four people being injured, with one woman requiring hospitalization. The incident caused significant disruption, as the A2 London-bound exit slip road at Bean was closed throughout the night for recovery and repairs.
Emergency Services Respond
The crash, which occurred around 8:40 pm, involved two vehicles and caused substantial damage to roadside barriers. Police and paramedics attended the scene to assist those involved.
A spokesperson for Kent Police said:
At 8:42 pm on Sunday, 22 December 2024, patrols attended a collision involving two cars on the London-bound carriageway of the A2 near Northfleet. Paramedics also attended the scene where four people reported injuries. A woman was taken to a local hospital for further medical attention.”
Road Closures and Travel Disruption
The crash led to the closure of the exit slip road, impacting access to Bluewater Shopping Centre. Highways officers worked overnight to clear debris and recover the damaged vehicles. Significant delays were reported, with drivers forced to follow diversion routes.
National Highways confirmed that the slip road reopened shortly before 9 am on Monday morning, allowing normal traffic flow to resume.
Safety Reminder
The collision highlights the importance of cautious driving, particularly during the busy holiday season when roads are congested. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For further updates on road conditions and travel advice, drivers are encouraged to check live traffic updates.