M25 traffic after watermelons spill onto carriageway

Watermelon mishap close to Dartford Crossing (Picture: National Highways (@HighwaysSEAST)/Twitter)

A watermelon accident on the M25 has resulted in significant traffic congestion and lengthy delays in southern Essex today.

There was a watermelon spillage on the M25 this morning, causing a clockwise hold between junction 31.

There is still a single lane closed on the M25 going in the clockwise direction at junction 31, which is causing heavy traffic that stretches all the way back to junction 29.

Motorists are currently encountering traffic congestion on the A13 Londonbound as they approach junction 30 of the M25.

National Highways has made an announcement on X - previously known as Twitter - that a street cleaner is currently present at the location, working diligently to remove the spilled substances. They anticipate that the delays will subside quickly.

During the peak of the accident, the leakage caused a delay of an additional half an hour to travel durations.

The AA reported earlier today that there are significant delays, with a long line of vehicles spanning over four miles, and one lane is currently unavailable due to watermelons spilling on the M25 clockwise at junction 31, near Lakeside and Purfleet.

There is heavy traffic for a few miles starting from junction 29 on the A127 in Romford, and also for a mile in the direction towards London on the A13 after Thurrock.