Major Motorway Shut After Fatal Early Morning Collision
A man has died and a major motorway has been closed in both directions following a serious collision between a car and a motorcycle in Kent. The incident, which involved a Tesla and a Yamaha motorcycle, occurred on the M2 in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Timeline of the Incident and Emergency Response
Kent Police were called at 6.33am on Sunday 4 January 2026 to reports of the crash on the Londonbound carriageway near Junction 5 for Sittingbourne. The collision happened between Junction 4 at Gillingham and Junction 5, close to Medway Services.
Officers and paramedics attended the scene. The motorcyclist was treated for serious injuries but was declared deceased at the scene. No further details about the condition of the car's occupants have been released.
Due to the severity of the incident, a major emergency response was launched. By 7.30am, Kent Police had advised that the eastbound carriageway also needed to be closed, leading to a full shutdown of the M2 in both directions to allow for a forensic investigation.
Major Travel Disruption and Diversion Advice
The closure caused significant disruption, bringing traffic to a complete standstill. National Highways Traffic Officers implemented the closure to provide a safe working area for emergency crews.
Drivers, particularly those travelling between the Port of Dover and London, were advised to divert via the M20. Those heading through the Medway area were warned to expect considerable delays.
The coastbound carriageway, which was closed at Junction 4, was re-opened at 11.26am. The Londonbound carriageway near Junction 5 remained closed while officers conducted their investigation into the circumstances of the fatal crash.
