Four-vehicle crash shuts southbound M40, causing up to 90-minute delays

Four-vehicle crash shuts southbound M40, causing up to 90-minute delays

Kent Fire and Rescue Service and National Highways closed the southbound M40 between Junction 1a and Junction 1 after a collision involving four vehicles, creating seven-mile queues and delays of about 90 minutes before the road was reopened. Earlier in the week, Kent Online reported a series of incidents on the M20 in Kent. A lorry carrying cardboard caught fire, forcing the closure of the London-bound carriageway between Junctions 3 and 1 and causing delays of up to 40 minutes.

Later, more than 30 cars and lorries collided in dense fog near Leeds Castle, injuring several people and prompting closures expected to last overnight. A police-led incident at Junction 10A of the Sevington Interchange also caused brief lane closures on the M20 and the A2070, which were lifted within an hour.

Actors

Kent Fire and Rescue Service National Highways

Locations

M20, Kent, England, United Kingdom Swanley Interchange, Swanley, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Articles

November 09, 2026
1 total
Four-vehicle crash closes southbound M40, causing up to 90-minute delays
Four-vehicle crash closes southbound M40, causing up to 90-minute delays

The Mirror • 09 Nov 13:12

A collision involving four vehicles forced the southbound M40 between Junction 1a and Junction 1 to close, creating seven-mile queues and delays of about 90 minutes before the road was reopened.

Credibility 88% Manip. 5% Center
November 08, 2026
1 total
Police-led incident causes temporary closures on M20 near Ashford
Police-led incident causes temporary closures on M20 near Ashford

Kent Online • 08 Nov 15:03

A police-led incident at Junction 10A of the Sevington Interchange led to brief southbound and northbound lane closures on the M20 and the A2070, which were lifted within an hour.

Credibility 82% Manip. 8% Center
November 07, 2026
1 total
M20 near Leeds Castle shut after multi-vehicle crash in thick fog
M20 near Leeds Castle shut after multi-vehicle crash in thick fog

Kent Online • 07 Nov 19:57

More than 30 cars and lorries collided on the M20 near Leeds Castle in dense fog, injuring multiple people and prompting road closures that are expected to last overnight.

Credibility 82% Manip. 8% Center
November 06, 2026
2 total
M20 closure after lorry fire causes extensive delays
M20 closure after lorry fire causes extensive delays

The Sun • 06 Nov 08:05

A lorry fire on the M20 near Swanley forced the road to close, leading to traffic backups and delays of over an hour.

Credibility 78% Manip. 12% Center
Lorry fire closes London-bound lane of M20, causing lengthy morning delays
Lorry fire closes London-bound lane of M20, causing lengthy morning delays

Kent Online • 06 Nov 07:36

A fire involving a lorry carrying cardboard forced the closure of the London-bound carriageway of the M20 between Junctions 3 and 1, leading to delays of up to 40 minutes and traffic diversions.

Credibility 88% Manip. 5% Center