The Newshound

Section of M20 motorway in Kent is closed after a crash and car fire causes 30-minute delays

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026.

The M20 motorway sign, where a section near Ashford remains closed after an early-hours single-vehicle crash sparked a car fire, leaving freight for Dover diverted via the A2 and M2.
The M20 motorway sign, where a section near Ashford remains closed after an early-hours single-vehicle crash sparked a car fire, leaving freight for Dover diverted via the A2 and M2.

Drivers face delays of up to 30 minutes and roughly three miles of congestion after a single-vehicle crash and car fire shut the M20's eastbound carriageway between Junction 8 at Lenham and Junction 9 at Ashford shortly before 6am on Wednesday. Kent Police launched a full accident investigation, keeping the road closed for several hours. The fire service deployed three engines alongside a technical rescue unit. Freight heading to Dover is diverted via the A2 and M2, with other drivers advised to exit at Junction 8 and rejoin at Junction 9 via the A20.

A separate two-vehicle collision on the London-bound carriageway near Junction 5 temporarily closed lanes, though all had reopened by 7.30am.

National Highways urged drivers to allow extra journey time, re-route, or delay travel entirely.

MoreBBC News - EnglandSection of M20 closed near Ashford after crash and fireThe SunM20 ‘closed for several hours’ after crash & car fire as drivers face long delaysKent OnlineM20 to be shut for hours after serious crash and car fire - Kent OnlineGB NewsM20 traffic: Major motorway to remain closed 'for a number of hours' after crash and car fire
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