A driver has been arrested after a highways worker was killed on a motorway near Gatwick Airport. The 65-year-old victim from Kent was hit by a van on the southbound M23 shortly before 01:00 BST on Wednesday, at junction nine for Crawley, Sussex Police told the BBC.
Officers said the driver of the van, a 38-year-old man from Croydon, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving and remained in custody.
The southbound M23 was closed between Merstham and Crawley, but has since fully reopened. National Highways said workers had been carrying out recovery, clean up and carriageway inspections after police investigations finished.
Will Clarke of Direct Enviro Services, said on LinkedIn:
“Today, our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the highways operative who tragically lost his life on the M23 in the early hours of this morning.
“This has deeply affected the traffic management and highways community. No one should leave for work to keep others safe and not return home.
“My sincere and heartfelt condolences go to his family, loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
“Road worker safety must never be taken for granted.”
(Picture: Mapillary)
