A serious collision involving a van has led to a major oil spillage and the closure of a key stretch of the M20 motorway in Kent, with one man hospitalised.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The incident occurred shortly before 11am on Monday, 16 December 2025. According to National Highways, a single vehicle collided with the nearside barrier on the M20 eastbound between Junction 8 for Hollingbourne and Junction 9 for Ashford.
The van involved suffered significant damage, leading to a large oil spill covering approximately 100 metres of the carriageway. Emergency services attended the scene, and one male driver was transported to hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries is not currently known.
Major Travel Disruption and Clean-Up
In response to the hazardous spill, National Highways has been forced to close the eastbound carriageway completely. Specialist contractors and traffic officers are on site conducting a thorough clean-up operation to make the road safe before it can be reopened.
The closure has caused severe congestion, with motorists facing delays of at least 45 minutes. There is reported to be around three miles of queuing traffic as a result of the incident.
Official Diversion Route
Road users travelling eastbound are being advised to follow a clearly signed diversion. The official route is as follows:
- Exit the M20 at Junction 8.
- At the roundabout, take the third exit, and at the next roundabout, take the first exit onto the A20.
- Continue on the A20 until the junction with Fougeres Way.
- Turn northwards towards Junction 9 of the M20 to rejoin the eastbound carriageway.
Drivers are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys and to follow the diversion signs displaying the hollow circle symbol.
National Highways has stated that the carriageway will remain closed until the clean-up is complete and the road is declared safe. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
