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Traffic chaos after two accidents on the A249

16:21, 02 December 2009

updated: 16:39, 02 December 2009

Police on the Sheppey Crossing following the accident
Police on the Sheppey Crossing following the accident

There was traffic chaos on Wednesday night between Sittingbourne and Sheppey on the rain-drenched A249.

Traffic was tailed back to beyond the Iwade turn-off following two accidents.

Part of the Sheppey Crossing was closed after a car apparently spun out of control.

The accident happened at 3.46pm in the Sheppey-bound carriageway.

The road was closed until the vehicle was recovered.

Traffic to the Island was diverted via the Kingsferry Bridge, but those heading off Sheppey were able to use the Sheppey Crossing.

It is not known if anyone was injured in the incident.

One driver, who was travelling behind the car, said: "I think it's because of the rain - my vehicle was aqua-planing.

Traffic chaos caused by accident on Sheppey Crossing
Traffic chaos caused by accident on Sheppey Crossing

"I could see a guy standing at the side of the road when we passed.

"The roads are terrible this afternoon because of all the rain, I've never been so scared in my life."

Then at 4.50pm, a blue Ford Fiesta skidded off the road into the central reservation barrier.

The woman driver suffered from a suspected whiplash injury. No other cars were involved.

Speaking from the scene, KM Group news editor Gemma Constable said the road was so wet, cars are aqua-planing "all over the place".

She said: "It is incredibly treacherous; the Sheppey-bound carriageway is blocked and Sittingbourne-bound vehicles are battling to keep control.

It's really very dangerous and I wouldn't be surprised if there were further accidents."

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