Shocking footage shows the moment a tractor separated from its trailer before plunging off an overbridge onto a motorway below.
The M20 was closed for nearly 12 hours in both directions between Junction 3 (Addington) and Junction 1 (Swanley) after the incident yesterday morning (August 18).
Now, footage from the dashcam of a vehicle behind the tractor has revealed the moments before the crash. It has been shared widely on social media.
Video captures the tractor and its trailer visibly swaying with its wheels lifting off the ground as it navigates the roundabout before joining the A227 Gravesend Road.
Seconds later, as it crosses the bridge, the trailer comes off the ground, upturning to the right before smashing to the floor and breaking away from the tractor.
The tractor, now free from its attachment, propels over the bridge, tipping gradually, before falling from the overbridge onto the M20 below.
Officers were first called just after 11.15am on Monday, August 18.
The force confirmed the tractor was the only vehicle involved in the accident on the A227 Gravesend Road, Wrotham, which was also closed after the incident.
It added that the tractor became separated from its trailer and then fell onto the central reservation between Junction 2 and Junction 3 of the M20.
The fire service said its crews had “extracted” one person from a vehicle after the incident.
At 11.30pm, 12 hours after the crash, National Highways confirmed resurfacing work and barrier repairs had been completed on the M20 J3 (Addington) to J1 (Swanley) and that the road had been reopened in both directions.
Police are now appealing for witnesses of the accident to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to call the West Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 18-0475.
