A 65-year-old highways worker from Kent was killed after being struck by a van on the M23 in Crawley early Wednesday morning, Sussex Police confirmed. A 38-year-old man from Croydon has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.
Collision details and police response
The incident occurred on the southbound carriageway at Junction 9 shortly before 1am on July 8. Emergency services attended, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The arrested man remains in custody as accident investigation work continues, police said.
Sergeant Chris Ambrose stated: “We are fully investigating the circumstances and we ask anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who has dashcam footage, to come forward.”
Road closures and travel disruption
The southbound carriageway at Junction 9 is expected to remain closed until late morning, with diversions in place. The motorway is shut from Junction 8 (M25) to Junction 10 (A2), with congestion reported back to Junction 5 (M26) and past Junction 8 (Reigate). Motorists heading to Gatwick Airport are advised to allow extra travel time.
Appeal for witnesses
Sussex Police urged anyone with information or dashcam footage to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Oakcross. The investigation is ongoing.
