On 5 September 2013, a huge pile-up occurred on the southbound carriageway of the Sheppey Crossing, which at the time was a covered in heavy fog. In total, more than 130 vehicles were involved in a series of shunts and 35 people needed hospital treatment, with eight people sustaining serious injuries and 60 others sustaining minor injuries.[1]
Crash
On the morning of 5 September 2013, more than 130 vehicles were involved in a series of shunt crashes on the southbound carriageway of Sheppey Crossing, which at the time was covered in heavy fog.[2] Emergency services were called to the crossing at around 7:15 a.m BST according to Kent Police, and the bridge was subsequently closed for nine hours.[3] Firefighters had to free five people from their vehicles.[2]
Inappropriate driving in conditions of very poor visibility was suggested as the cause of the crash.[1]
Aftermath
Following the incident, questions were raised over the safety of the unlit bridge with calls for speed restrictions and overhead lights. The AA suggested matrix warning signs "as a minimum".[4]
