Surrey FRS said “Two horses which were stuck in a broken-down horsebox on the M23 have been freed and reunited with their owners after a successful rescue operation. The road has reopened. Thank you for allowing crews to carry out their work safely.”
At 21:45 we were informed the roadblock was lifted and traffic is now starting to move.
The M23 has been completely closed in both directions between Junction 8 (M25) and Junction 9, near Gatwick Airport, owing to a broken-down horsebox causing significant disruptions.
Surrey FRS said “Fire crews are in attendance on M23 J8 to J9 dealing with a horse stuck in a broken-down horsebox. West Sussex Fire is providing a technical rescue unit & a vet is on the scene. At this time both sides of the M23 are closed”
Southbound Diversion Route: Motorists traveling southbound are advised to follow the hollow diamond symbol on road signs. The diversion is as follows:
- Depart the M25 at Junction 9 (Leatherhead), heading onto the A243 southbound.
- At the Knoll Roundabout, take the second exit onto the A24 towards Horsham.
- Continue on the A24 and at the Great Daux Roundabout, take the first exit onto the A264.
- Follow the A264 until reaching M23 Junction 11 (Pease Pottage Interchange).
- For Gatwick Airport, join the M23 northbound and exit at Junction 9.
Clockwise Route on M25: For those traveling on the M25 clockwise:
- Traffic is directed to leave the M25 at Junction 6 (Godstone) and proceed onto the A22 southbound.
- Continue on the A22 towards Felbridge, then turn right onto the A264 towards M23 Junction 10 (Crawley Interchange).
- Gatwick Airport-bound traffic should join the M23 northbound and exit at Junction 9.
Northbound Diversion: Drivers heading northbound should follow the solid square diversion symbol:
- Exit the M23 at Junction 10, proceed east on the A264 until reaching the junction with the A22.
- Turn north on the A22, continuing until Junction 6 of the M25.
Authorities are working to resolve the situation and reopen the M23 as soon as possible. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra time for travel due to expected delays in the area.
