VAN DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER HIGHWAYS WORKER KILLED ON M23

A van driver has been arrested following a collision that killed a highways worker on the M23 motorway near Gatwick Airport. The crash occurred on the southbound carriageway at Junction 9 at approximately 1am on Wednesday. A 65-year-old man from Kent, who was working on the highway, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 38-year-old man from Croydon, the van driver, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving and remains in custody.

Sussex Police said detectives are investigating the circumstances of the collision and appealed for witnesses to come forward. Officers asked anyone who saw the crash or has dashcam footage to contact police by email, quoting Operation Oakcross. National Highways closed the southbound carriageway between Junction 8 near Merstham and Junction 10 at Crawley at approximately 1.20am whilst emergency services attended the scene. The closure caused significant traffic disruption, particularly for travellers heading to London Gatwick Airport, and National Highways advised motorists to use alternative routes and allow extra time for journeys.

Sussex Police confirmed that investigations would continue throughout the day and that the road closure was expected to remain in place until at least early afternoon. National Highways Traffic Officers were dispatched to support emergency services and assist with traffic management at the scene. The force extended its condolences to the deceased man's family, who were informed of his death.