The A3 in Surrey has been thrown into chaos this morning following a devastating collision that has claimed the lives of three horses. The incident has forced a major road closure, sparking severe delays for commuters during the Thursday morning rush.
Early Morning Horror on the A3
Surrey Police were called to the scene at approximately 1.40am on Thursday, January 15, 2026, following reports of a serious incident. Initial information suggests a lorry collided with two horses on the carriageway. In a subsequent and related event, a third horse then struck a car.
The exact sequence of events and the circumstances that led to the horses being on the motorway are currently unclear and form a key part of the police investigation. Authorities have not yet released confirmed details about the condition of the drivers involved.
Major Road Closure and Severe Delays
In response to the collision, National Highways has implemented a full closure of the A3 northbound. The shut-down affects the stretch between the A247 at Burntcommon and the B2039 at Ockham.
Recovery operations are currently underway at the site to clear the vehicles and the tragic debris from the carriageway. Motorists are being warned to expect significant disruption, with estimated delay times of up to 60 minutes on alternative routes. Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area if possible and to plan for much longer journey times.
Ongoing Investigation and Travel Advice
The cause of the collision is now under formal investigation by Surrey Police. Officers will be working to establish how the horses came to be on the high-speed road and the full dynamics of the impact.
With the northbound carriageway expected to remain closed for some time, traffic is building on surrounding routes. National Highways is providing live traffic updates via its website and social media channels. Commuters are urged to check the latest travel information before setting out.
This tragic incident has not only caused major transport disruption but has also resulted in the loss of three animals, the details of which are still emerging as the investigation continues.
