Man Dies After Falling from Motorway Bridge Linking M26 and M20 in Kent
Major Motorway Closures and Chaos
A man tragically died after falling from a motorway bridge connecting the M26 and M20 near junction 2 of the M26 in Kent. The incident sparked major closures, with both directions of the M20 and a large stretch of the M26 shut down by police.
The drama unfolded just after 8am on Wednesday morning, prompting swift action from Kent Roads Policing and Highways teams. They blocked all carriageways to handle the emergency.
Emergency Services Rushed In
Kent Fire and Rescue dispatched two appliances and an aerial ladder to assist officers on site. Highways England brought in large green screens to shield the base of the M26 overbridge near Wrotham Heath, where the tragic fall occurred.
Road Chaos as Drivers Seek Alternatives
Traffic quickly ground to a halt. Drivers attempting to bypass the closures faced long delays and some got stuck on narrow country lanes in Ryarsh and Addington. The London Road between Wrotham and Addington crawled due to heavy congestion.
Road users heading to Dover were advised to take the A2 or M2 instead to avoid the jam. Delays stretched for 6-8 miles, with the southbound M20 expected to remain closed until at least 2pm while police complete their investigations.
Updates on Reopening
12:20pm update: The westbound M20 between junction 3 (M26) and junction 2 (Tonbridge) has now reopened. However, the eastbound carriageways of both the M20 and M26 remain closed as inquiries continue.
Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue have been approached for comment.
