M23 Near Gatwick Airport Closed After Highway Worker Killed in Van Crash

A major section of the M23 southbound near Gatwick Airport remained closed for several hours after a highway worker was killed in a collision involving a van during the early hours of the morning. The victim, a 65-year-old man from Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck while working on the motorway near Junction 9 for Crawley and Gatwick, shortly before 1 a.m. Emergency services responded quickly, but the worker could not be saved.

Police arrested the 38-year-old van driver from Croydon on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving. He remains in police custody while officers continue their investigation. Sussex Police confirmed that the victim's family has been informed and said specialist officers are supporting them. Investigators have appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage from the area to come forward to assist with the inquiry.

The closure caused significant traffic disruption throughout the morning, with long delays affecting motorists travelling in both directions and congestion extending back towards Junction 10 during rush hour. National Highways advised drivers heading to Gatwick Airport to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes while forensic investigations continued at the scene. The southbound carriageway was expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon as police completed their examination of the crash site. Authorities also noted that another closure near Junction 8 for the M25 was in place, although it was not immediately confirmed whether it was connected to the same incident.