A lorry driver has been bailed following a crash at the Darenth Interchange that left four people in hospital and closed one lane of the M25 for a week. 

A lorry hit a car just after 3.45am yesterday (February 11). The car also hit a barrier.

A man in the car suffered injuries to his head, neck, chest, arm and leg and was taken to Kings College Hospital by road - where he remains in a serious condition.

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The crash damaged a barrier Picture: Highways England

The lorry driver, a 45-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been bailed until July 17 pending further enquiries.

Three other people suffered minor injuries and have been taken to hospital.

Queues up to 10 miles long built on the motorway as Highways England constructed a temporary concrete barrier to make the road safe.

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Picture: Highways England

Two lanes have now reopened but the third will remain shut until the end of next week until a permanent barrier is made.

A spokesman for Highways England said: "Lane one of three will stay closed until the end of next week for repairs."

Spokesman Andrew Broughton said: "The inside lane will remain closed until a new permanent barrier can be installed, which is expected to take a week to manufacture due to its unique nature."

 

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Picture: Highways England

Motorists faced delays of more than an hour yesterday morning as traffic jams stretched over the Dartford Crossing as far as Romford.

Anyone who has information on the collision is asked to call Kent Police’s serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference 11-0084.

Did you see what happened? Email fiona.simpson@london.newsquest.co.uk