Drivers have been warned to expect delays on a major road after a multi-vehicle collision caused traffic to operate at 10mph.
The collision occurred on the M23 in Surrey, which has now been closed southbound between J9 near London Gatwick Airport and J10 in Crawley.
The incident has caused road traffic delays with Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service working at the scene.
National Highways Traffic Officers are also on hand to assist the emergency services with traffic management.
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Normal traffic conditions are expected to return by 1.30pm
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The agency expects the incident to return to normal traffic conditions between 1.30pm and 1.45pm.
National Highways shared on X, formerly Twitter: "Emergency services continue to work at scene, so we are unable to provide any estimates on re-opening at this time."
Until then, drivers have been advised to follow the diversion route currently in place and to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on road signs.
The diversion takes drivers off the M23 southbound at Junction 9 onto Gatwick Spur and then through the second exit to Junction 9A.
Drivers have been urged to follow the diversion route in place
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
At Junction 9A (Airport Way Roundabout) drivers should take the second exit towards North Terminal/Redhill. From here they should take the fourth exit onto the A23 London Road towards Crawley/Redhill. At the Longbridge roundabout drivers need to take the fourthexit to turn back and join the A23 eastbound.
Drivers need to remain on the A23 for approximately four miles to reach the TushmoreGryatrory with the A2011/A2219 before taking the first exit onto the A2011 and continuing to re-join the M23 at J10.
Updating drivers on the incident, Sussex Police shared: "The M23 is closed southbound between Junction 9 and 10, in the Pound Hill, Crawley, area this morning (February 19) while emergency services deal with a collision.
"The road is expected to remain closed for some time, and motorists are asked to please avoid the area if possible."
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service explained that they were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving three cars and a large goods vehicle on the M23 southbound between Junctions 9 and 10, Gatwick to Crawley at 10.15am.
Fire engines from Crawley and East Grinstead are currently at the scene, as well as a heavy rescue tender with a spokesperson "urging people to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work safely".
The added: "Fire engines from Crawley and East Grinstead were sent to the scene, as well as a heavy rescue tender. Upon arrival firefighters released one person from a vehicle using hydraulic rescue equipment. Fire crews left the scene at around 11am."
National Highways said traffic between J9 and J10 is being slowly released past the scene in lane four.
"Due to the number of vehicles this may be a slow process, thank you for your patience," they added.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Emergency services are on the scene
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
A spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance Service told GB News: "I can confirm that four patients were assessed and treated at the scene of this collision which was reported to us at approximately 10am today.
"Three of the patients were then taken to East Surrey Hospital for further checks and treatment."
The road has now reopened with delays of up to 30 minutes and approximately two miles congestion on approach to J9.
