M23 Motorway Reopens Following Emergency Repairs After Vehicle Fire and Oil Spill

A segment of the M23 motorway situated near Gatwick Airport has been reopened after an emergency closure was necessitated by a vehicle fire and an oil spillage. National Highways reported that it was initially notified of an incident on a southbound section of the M23 at 05:00 GMT on Wednesday. The entire carriageway was subsequently closed at 16:00, specifically between junction eight for the M25 and junction nine for the West Sussex airport, following earlier lane closures. Emergency resurfacing work was conducted throughout the night, and the road became accessible again just after 05:00. While the fire was brought under control, a substantial diesel spillage, combined with the blaze, resulted in “severe damage” across all four lanes of the carriageway. A spokesperson for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service stated: “Three fire engines were sent. One small vehicle was alight. Crews tackled the fire and left the scene around 05:45. Highways crews were also in attendance and the incident was left with them.” Diversion routes were established for the duration of the closure.