This is the moment an HGV narrowly avoids a multi-car pile-up after smashing into a van that took evasive action to avoid a fender-bender.

Footage filmed on July 16 on the M23 southbound near Gatwick airport shows how traffic in the furthest-left lane begins to slow, causing the vehicles – which are travelling very close together – to suddenly hit the brakes.

A black van appears to not be able to slow down in time – causing the driver to swerve into the path of the lorry.

The HGV collides with the van and veers into the third lane, narrowly missing another car and appearing to terrify the passengers inside.

The van driver did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.