34 injured in 15-car smash near Gatwick Airport as UK motorway became an ‘ice rink’ | UK | News

Six people were taken to hospital after a pile up on the M23, as onlookers said the motorway « turned into an ice rink ».

The crash, involving 15 vehicles, took place at around 5.40pm on Friday, March 1. Police closed the motorway between junction 10 and 11 following the collision, with 34 people treated at the scene.

Police confirmed that none of those taken to hospital had life threatening injuries. The road has since reopened, with the crash happening close to Crawley and Gatwick Airport.

Commenting on X, one witness said: « I was also driving southbound just after it happened and it was scary seeing cars and vans everywhere, and what looked like slush over the carriageway.

« Terrifying to see and don’t think I’ve ever driven home so carefully after that… Hope everyone is ok. » Another person said the road looked like an « ice rink ».

A man who was driving to Manchester and was involved in the crash told MailOnline: « The rain was extremely heavy but it wasn’t the rain which caused it. It switched to hailstones and then sleet. It looked as if there was snow on the road – it was like driving in snowy conditions.

« I had to swerve to avoid a collision but there was debris. I tried to break and slid and impacted with another car and continued down the road. I think in the initial collision there were only one to three cars. There was a pregnant woman who was involved but she was okay. She didn’t look badly injured and she said she just felt a bit light. Everyone that I saw was okay. It didn’t feel real at the time. »

He added: « I was like. ‘what the hell is happening?’ My car was completely done in. It happened very quickly – you couldn’t see what was in front of you. The sleet was still on my roof an hour later. I was in a complete state of shock. I was walking about and crashes were still happening. My car did a loop-the-loop and ended up on the embankment. The car still works but the windows are smashed and done in.

« It’s ironic – I had told my manager I would leave at seven to avoid the rush hour traffic but I changed my mind last minute. I thought I would be too tired and it would be dangerous so I left at four. I only ended up with some minor injuries, I was fine. »

Speaking at the time, Sussex Police spokesperson said: « Emergency services were called at 5.40pm and the ambulance service is treating multiple casualties. »

There were reports of torrential rain before the crash took place.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue echoed the calls for people to avoid the area last night, writing in a statement: « We are currently in attendance at an RTC (road traffic collision) involving multiple vehicles between Junctions 10 and 11 of the M23 at Pease Pottage. Please avoid the area. »