How did more than 30 vehicles crash in thick fog on the M20 near Maidstone?
Quick answer: More than 30 vehicles were involved in a crash in thick fog on the London-bound M20 near Hollingbourne, Maidstone, on Saturday evening, 7 November 2026. Two people were seriously injured and taken to hospital, and 11 people were passed to paramedics. The motorway was closed in both directions between junctions 8 and 9.
Key facts
- What: A crash involving more than 30 vehicles in thick fog
- Where: London-bound M20 near Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent
- When: About 6.41pm on Saturday 7 November 2026; reported by Sky News at 00:44 on Sunday 8 November 2026
- Casualties: Two people seriously injured and taken to hospital; 11 people passed to paramedics
- Deaths: No deaths reported
- Road closure: M20 closed in both directions between junctions 8 and 9
- Status: Developing — figures may change as official information is confirmed
What happened
The crash happened on the London-bound carriageway of the M20 near Hollingbourne, close to Maidstone, at about 6.41pm on Saturday 7 November 2026. National Highways said thick fog was reported in the area at the time.
Drivers described visibility falling sharply as they reached the scene. Rob Rattenbury, who drove through the area at about 6.30pm, said the fog appeared very thick and cars had slowed to about 30mph, adding that it appeared as if traffic was coming to a standstill in front of him.
Some drivers suggested smoke from nearby fireworks may also have affected visibility. That has not been confirmed as a cause, and the exact sequence of the crash has not yet been published.
The Met Office had issued a fog warning until 10am on Sunday, covering a large part of southern England and the Midlands.
Emergency response
Kent Fire and Rescue sent three fire engines and a technical rescue unit to the scene. Eleven people were passed to paramedics, and two people who were seriously injured were taken to hospital. No further casualty detail had been published at the time of the Sky News report.
Road closure and diversions
The motorway remained closed in both directions shortly after midnight, with diversions in place, according to National Highways. The closure covered the M20 between junctions 8 and 9.
If you drive on routes like this
- Slow down in fog and keep a larger gap than usual from the vehicle ahead
- Use dipped headlights and never assume other drivers can see you
- If visibility becomes too poor to continue safely, pull over somewhere safe and wait for conditions to improve
- Wear a seatbelt in every seat
- Know the local emergency number before you travel — our emergency numbers directory lists them by country
What happens next
Police and National Highways are expected to confirm the casualty figures and the timing of the motorway reopening. Any investigation into the exact sequence of the crash, and whether fog alone or other factors played a part, is likely to take longer.
Frequently asked questions
### How many vehicles were involved in the M20 crash? More than 30 vehicles, according to Sky News.
How many people were seriously injured?
Two people were seriously injured and taken to hospital. Eleven people were passed to paramedics.
Where and when did the crash happen?
On the London-bound M20 near Hollingbourne, Maidstone, at about 6.41pm on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Is the M20 still closed?
The motorway was closed in both directions between junctions 8 and 9 and remained closed shortly after midnight, with diversions in place.
Did anyone die in the crash?
No deaths were reported in the Sky News report published in the early hours of Sunday 8 November 2026.
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*This is a developing story compiled from verified reporting; figures may change as official information is confirmed.*
Source: Sky News — https://news.sky.com/story/two-seriously-injured-in-30-vehicle-crash-in-fog-on-the-m20-near-maidstone-13609605
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- Driving laws in United Kingdom
- Road accidents reported today
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