Huge M25 lorry fire leaves thousands of drivers facing major delays
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Many drivers are experiencing significant hold-ups due to a Tesco truck catching fire on the M25.
The fire started around 10 PM on Sunday, situated between junction 5 and junction 6, along the stretch connecting Sevenoaks in Kent and Godstone in Surrey.
All lanes going clockwise are shut down, and motorists traveling northwest toward West London are encouraged to find alternative routes. According to National Highways, these closures are expected to last at least until around noon on Monday.
A representative mentioned, "Expert recovery services will be necessary, and the road surface will probably need to be redone." They also noted that the road is expected to be closed "for most of the day."
The event featured a Tesco large delivery truck that appears to be completely on fire in the security camera recordings. There have been no reports of any injuries.
Dashcam video from the location captures the instant the Tesco truck caught fire after crashing into a barrier on the left side of the road.
Posting the video on social media, bystander Anthony Moc stated: “It happened right in front of me. I almost lost my life.”
He expressed, "If I had been in the outer lane instead of being in the back, I would have lost my life."
Surrey Fire and Rescue reported that they dispatched five fire engines and two water tankers to the road, which was shut down in both directions. The anti-clockwise lane has been reopened, but lanes three and four are still closed at junction 6.
The state-run company stated, "There are significant delays on all routes."
The westbound M26 between junction 2A is currently shut down, as is junction 5 of the M25, which links this main road to both the M26 and the A21.
Robert Bell, the network operations manager for National Highways in the South East, has recommended that motorists steer clear of the area if they can.
He mentioned that the difficulty of the situation and the significant destruction caused by these events will affect tonight's commute. He recommends that everyone plan their travel in advance, allocate additional time for their journey, and try to steer clear of the area if possible.
"We've implemented detours, but these incidents are affecting one another, leading to considerable disruptions in the nearby areas. Unfortunately, we anticipate that the situation will worsen as we approach the evening rush hour."
Traveling in a clockwise direction, delays near the M25 are around 90 minutes long; if you're going the other way, you'll face delays of about 45 minutes.
If you were planning to travel in a clockwise direction, there's a new detour in place. You should follow the signs for the diversion, which will direct you onto the A21, A25, and A22 before you can get back onto the M25 heading towards Gatwick.
Those intending to take the M26 should consider using the M20 to reach the M25. However, it's important to note that ongoing overnight roadwork at the east Dartford tunnel (heading north) is resulting in significant delays on that route.
At the same time, another event at the Dartford Crossing, which connects Kent and Essex, is leading to significant traffic delays.
According to National Highways, the northbound Dartford east tunnel is currently closed due to extended overnight roadworks. This delay was caused by a maintenance vehicle breaking down inside the tunnel, which necessitated urgent resurfacing repairs.
It was stated that there is a significant leak inside the tunnel, which will stay shut for the entire day.
Mr. Bell stated, "Our top priority is to reopen these roads, and we are fully committed to making that a reality."
"The M25 and the Dartford crossing are key elements of our main road system. We recognize how frustrating and disruptive any closures can be. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we carry out these important repairs."
