A WOMAN has tragically died and a man has been rushed to hospital after a horror smash on a major motorway – as cops arrest a driver.
The M23 remains closed near Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, following the fatal crash in the early hours this morning ahead of the Easter getaway rush.
Emergency crews scrambled to the chaotic scene between Junction 10, Crawley, and Junction 9, Gatwick, shortly before 5am.
Cops confirmed an investigation has been launched after the crash, which saw a single vehicle plough into the central reservation and a tree.
The motor was carrying two men and a woman, Sussex Police said.
The force has since confirmed a 23-year-old woman, a passenger in the car, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Another passenger, a 23-year-old man, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
The driver, a 21-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
National Highways warned that due to the serious nature of the collision, the road was likely to be closed for several hours.
Huge queues formed on the busy road as commuters and holidaymakers battle with the lengthy delays.
A diversion has been put in place with motorists advised to avoid using the closed road.
National Highways shared news of the closure on social media, saying: “M23 northbound is CLOSED between J10 Crawley and J9 Gatwick
“This is due to a serious collision. Emergency services are on scene.
“This is likely to be in place for several hours.”
Inspector Matt Wightwick said: “This is a tragic incident and we are actively investigating the full circumstances of what happened.
“The victims and their families are at the forefront of our minds during what must be an unbelievably difficult time.
“We understand the impact the closure has had on people, especially those travelling to the airport, and appreciate their patience and understanding.
“The northbound carriageway will remain closed at this time for the on-going investigation and recovery of the vehicle. It will be opened as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.”
Police are appealing to the public to come forward with any information or dashcam footage they may have in relation to the incident, and to contact [email protected], quoting serial Operation Dorset.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police added: “Police are investigating a serious single vehicle collision that happened between junctions nine and 10 on the M23 just after 5am on Thursday, April 2.
“Emergency services responded after a car, carrying two men and a woman and travelling north, was in collision with the central reservation and a tree.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as emergency services remain at the scene.
“The northbound carriageway will be closed for a number of hours while the investigation continues.
It comes as an estimated 21.7 million journeys across the UK are planned for this weekend.
Motoring services company the RAC predicted it would be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022 despite the soaring cost of oil.
Oil prices – which have a significant effect on the cost of wholesale fuel – have soared in response to Iran’s stranglehold on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The RAC said the average price of a litre of diesel at UK forecourts on Wednesday was 184.2p, up 29% since the war started on February 28.
Average petrol prices have reached 153.7p per litre, a rise of 16% over the same period.
Despite this, millions of Brits are expected to make journeys by road in the UK over the coming days.
Drivers heading off on Easter trips further afield, to continental Europe, are advised to save money by refuelling before they leave the UK.
And, UK holidaymakers jetting off to the European Union are being warned to expect two-hour delays on arrival as countries are ramping up the deployment of a new border system.
Holidaymakers have been seen queuing at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 this morning as the Easter holiday rush got underway.
Dozens of passengers with suitcases have been pictured lining the check-in hall of the airport ahead of the long weekend.
EasyJet said it is preparing for its busiest Easter getaway, with up to 16,000 flights from UK airports during the two-week school break.
