Tractor crash blocks M20 near Wrotham

A tractor fell from an overbridge after a collision with a lorry near Wrotham, injuring the driver and causing a major road closure.

Tractor crash leaves driver seriously injured on M20

A tractor collided with a lorry on the A227 overbridge near Wrotham at around 11:20 am. The tractor then fell onto the central reservation of the M20 between junctions 2 and 3, and the driver was airlifted to King's College Hospital with serious injuries. Emergency crews from the ambulance service, a critical care paramedic, the air ambulance, Kent Police and fire services responded to the scene, and the M20 and A227 were closed as responders worked to manage the incident and begin recovery operations. National Highways later said traffic within the closure between junction 3 in Addington and junction 1 in Swanley had been released as crews carried out the significant recovery and repair operation. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes and to allow extra travel time while the scene was cleared.

The incident highlights the fragility of road infrastructure when heavy vehicles interact with overbridges. A single crash can cascade into long closures that disrupt thousands of journeys and supply chains across southeast England. Coordinated responses from multiple agencies show how quickly a scene can be stabilized, but they also underscore how essential timely guidance is for motorists. While the cause remains under investigation, the disruption serves as a reminder that rural routes and junctions near towns can become bottlenecks fast, making preparedness and clear communications crucial for public safety and efficiency.

Highlights

The road will reopen only after thorough checks and clearance work, with ongoing updates to travelers.