M20 bridge collapse: Motorway horror as bridge crashes down on top of vehicles in Kent

A bridge collapsed on top of vehicles today after it was struck by a lorry on a major motorway on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Motorists looked on in horror as the footbridge came crashing down on to the M20 in Kent this afternoon after it was struck by a lorry.

Emergency services raced to the scene between junctions three and four after the structure collapsed shortly after midday.

A motorcyclist, aged in his 50s, has been taken to a hospital in Tunbridge Wells with suspected broken ribs.

Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service were called to the crash at 12.07pm.

No one is believed to be trapped beneath the debris, police said.

Pictures and video posted on social media showed the structure collapsed across the carriageways near the junction with the M26, badly damaged lorries nearby and queues of traffic.

Motorists got out of the cars and were stood on the motorways as they watched the drama unfold.

Natasha Najm wrote on Twitter: "Bridge collapsed on #M20 - avoid if u r travelling #bankholidayweekend #roadclosure #accident."

Simon Kidby said: "Major incident on m20 bridge collapsed."

Taylor Cresswell said: "Stuck in standstill traffic queue on M20 - traffic now coming through towards London."

South East Coast Ambulance Service tweeted: "On scene of an RTC on the M20 j4 following bridge collapse. Currently dealing with one patient."

The motorways is closed in both directions and causing queues all the way back to London.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "It is believed a lorry collided with a pedestrian bridge which has collapsed onto the carriageway below.

"Officers are in attendance along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.