Two people seriously injured after 30-vehicle crash on the M20

The M20 has been closed in both directions between Maidstone and Ashford following a major multi-vehicle collision, with reports suggesting as many as 20 vehicles may have been involved amid thick fog and smoke from a nearby fireworks display. Emergency services rushed to the motorway near Leeds Castle on Saturday evening (7 November 2026), after the collision brought traffic to a standstill between Junction 8 at Hollingbourne and Junction 9 at Ashford. Kent Police, fire crews and ambulance teams were reported heading to the scene, while National Highways traffic officers assisted with road closures and diversions. Motorists described extremely poor visibility, with one driver reporting a combination of fog and smoke from fireworks being held at nearby Leeds Castle. The reported figure of 20 vehicles has not yet been officially confirmed. The number of people injured, if any, also remains unknown. Reports of 20 Vehicles Involved in M20 Pile-Up The collision happened on a busy Saturday evening as motorists travelled through Kent towards Maidstone, Ashford and the coast. National Highways confirmed that the M20 was closed in both directions between Junctions 8 and 9 following a multi-vehicle collision.

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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Original source Two people seriously injured after 30-vehicle crash on the M20

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