FIFTEEN people, including seven firefighters, were treated in hospital after a major chemical spill on the M2.

Sixteen fire appliances from across Kent were called to the incident near Faversham in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Chemicals spilled across the motorway after a collision between two lorries.

Medway Maritime Hospital put its major accident procdures into operation as the first casualties began to arrive.

The smash, which happened on the coast-bound carriageway between junctions five and six of the M2, near to Faversham, saw the road closed for more than 12 hours and Firefighters used full protective clothing, to deal the accident scene.

A total of 16 appliances from Kent Fire and Rescue service worked alongside paramedics and police.

One of the lorry drivers, who is Polish, was trapped in his cab for about five hours as the emergency services worked to free him safely.

He was also taken to hospital for treatment, but is not thought to be in a seriously injured. He suffered some whiplash injuries.

About 15 other people who were exposed to the chemical, which according sources was a concentrated perfume cosmetic spill, were taken to Medway Maritime Hospital for be as a precaution.

They have since been released.

The road was closed for most of the day while Kent Police accident investigators examined the scene, and as a result heavy tailbacks could be seen around the Medway Towns.

The coastbound carriageway M2 between Sittingbourne and Faversham was shut for more than 12 hours and opened again late on Saturday afternoon.

All traffic was diverted off the M2 at Sittingbourne, causing severe congestion in the town. Traffic was backed up on the M2 to the Rainham services area and there was also a long queue on the A2..

A spokesman for Medway Maritime Hospital said: “At about 2.50am the hospital’s major accident procedure was put into action.

“Eight patients and seven members of the fire crews were seen at this hospital in just over three and a half hours.

“No major injuries were reported, and the major incident was closed here at 6.30am. The trust’s emergency plan worked well and staff responded quickly and efficiently.”