Emergency services rushed to the scene last night

A WOMAN has died and three people have been injured in a horror crash, which left a bridge closed for nine hours.

The smash involved a grey Kia and a BMW on the A249 Sheppey Crossing, heading onto the island in Kent at around 11.20pm yesterday.

The emergency services attended the scene, including five fire engines but a woman in her 30s was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed.

Three other people suffered injuries.

A man and a woman were taken to a London hospital where they remain in a serious condition.

Another man was taken to a local hospital.

Police officers initially closed the road in both directions but the southbound carriageway reopened with a two-lane closure at around 2.45am.

National Highways said cops were at the scene carrying out “complex investigation works” and because to the severity of the incident, it could not say when the road might be reopened.

Drivers heading for Sheppey were at first diverted off the A249 at Key Street and asked to travel via Sheppey Way and the Kingsferry Bridge.

Witnesses have reported seeing flames and black smoke, and said they were told to stay in their vehicles with the windows shut.

Officers from Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) have launched an investigation and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw the vehicles immediately before the collision.

They are also appealing for anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.

Witnesses should call the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference RY/DC/011/2026.

You can also email [email protected]

CCTV and dashcam footage can submitted via the force’s public portal.