A tragic incident on the M2 in Kent resulted in the death of a motorcyclist following a collision with a car, causing the closure of the road in both directions. The closure, which occurred between Junction 5 (Maidstone, Sheerness A249) and Junction 4 (Gillingham, A278) on Sunday, was necessary for emergency services to respond to the scene.
Drivers were rerouted around the closure after the accident, with those traveling from the Port of Dover advised to utilize the M20 as an alternative route. The motorway was fully reopened at 5:45 pm following the necessary investigative and cleanup procedures.
Kent Police confirmed the fatality from the earlier crash, stating that paramedics treated the motorcyclist for severe injuries at the scene but unfortunately declared the individual deceased.
The investigation into the circumstances of the collision led to the closure of the junction, with the coastbound carriageway also temporarily shut down. Crews from the South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service were swiftly dispatched to the scene, resulting in the closure of the motorway in both directions until the eastbound lane was reopened later in the day.
While the M2 eastbound between Gillingham (J4) and Sittingbourne (J5) is now accessible, the westbound lane remains closed for ongoing investigations by Kent Police. The closure between Junction 5 (Maidstone, Sheerness A249) and Junction 4 (Gillingham, A278) remains in effect, causing only minor delays for drivers based on data from the AA live traffic map.
Road users are advised to follow diversion signs, with those traveling eastbound instructed to follow the Solid Circle symbol and westbound travelers directed to follow the Solid Square symbol. The closure of the M2 is necessary to ensure a safe working environment for emergency service crews at the collision site, with no estimated time for the road to reopen provided by National Highways.
Kent Police initially responded to the serious collision involving a car and motorcycle at approximately 06:30 in the morning, prompting a swift multi-agency response from South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service. The M2 closure spans between Junction 5 in Maidstone and Junction 4 in Gillingham as investigations and clean-up operations continue.