A devastating collision on the M23 motorway near Gatwick Airport has led to a 65-year-old man from Kent losing his life. The tragedy unfolded just before 1am on Wednesday on the coastbound carriageway at junction nine for Crawley, where a highways worker was struck by a van.
Vilius Domarkas, 38, of no fixed address, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He appeared at Crawley Magistrates' Court on Thursday and was remanded into custody. Mr Domarkas is yet to enter a plea, with his next court appearance scheduled for 6 August.
Sussex Police are continuing to support the family of the victim in their time of grief, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision remains ongoing. Authorities are appealing for witnesses to come forward and provide any relevant information, including dashcam footage, which could be crucial in piecing together the events that led to the worker's death.
As Detective Sergeant Rob Baldwin reiterated, public assistance is essential in helping police determine what happened. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has pertinent information is urged to contact the police with any evidence they may have.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by highways workers who carry out vital maintenance and repair tasks on our busy road network. Their work often requires them to operate in close proximity to live traffic, making them susceptible to accidents – particularly during unsociable hours when visibility can be reduced.