DRAMATIC footage captured a lorry exploding into a huge fireball on the M25, causing serious delays for thousands of motorists this morning.
The motorway is closed clockwise between junction 5 in Kent and junction 6 in Surrey due to the devastating fire.
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A lorry overturned after hitting debris on the M25 last night
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A driver filmed the flames engulfing the stuck truckCredit: Facebook
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The charred remains of what was left of the truck
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Special equipment is required to remove a burnt truckCredit: PA
The M25 clockwise is “likely to remain closed all day”.
This is due to the need for special equipment to remove the truck from the road which will likely require resurfacing.
A video posted on social media showed the moment the truck caught fire and stopped traffic.
Motorists who remained on the highway filmed the burning wreckage as fire crews battled the blaze.
Another driver filmed flames engulfing the stranded lorry – with smoke billowing across the motorway.
After firefighters extinguished the fire, the video revealed the charred remains of the truck, of which barely recognizable parts remained.
Thousands of motorists are suffering serious delays due to the closure.
The truck overturned after hitting debris on the road late on Sunday night, The Sun has learned.
The driver appears to be safe after a horrific motorway crash.
The fire also closed the M26 westbound between J2A near Wrotham Heath in Kent and the M25/A21.
The anti-clockwise carriageway has reopened but lanes 3 and 4 remain closed inside J6.
Police, fire crews and National Highways traffic officials rushed to the scene.
National Highways said: “If this incident affects your planned route, please allow extra travel time.”
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Fortunately, the driver was uninjuredCredit: UKNIP
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The road will probably need to be rebuilt. Credits: PA
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State highway traffic officers remained at the sceneCredit: UKNIP
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The fire caused major delays for drivers on the M25Credit: Ruckas
The spokesperson added: “Plan ahead, you may want to reroute or even delay your journey.
“Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our website and travel apps or via our regional ‘X’ feed.
“Our 24/7 contact center team is also available to provide up-to-the-minute information on 0300 123 5000.”
State Highway Traffic Officers remained at the scene to assist with traffic management.
Frustrated drivers took to X, formerly Twitter, to find out when the congested roads would reopen.
One user wrote: “Any idea when it fully opens?”
National Highways responded: “Regards, unfortunately there is currently no estimated reopening time.
“Please follow our feed for updates. Thank you for your patience.”
One unfortunate driver commented: “This has been closed for seven hours and you still have no idea when it’s even going to partially open!”
Meanwhile, a separate incident at the Dartford crossing between Kent and Essex is also causing major congestion.
National Highways said the Dartford East Tunnel was closed northbound as roadworks broke down overnight after a maintenance vehicle broke down inside, requiring urgent resurfacing work.
It said there was a “large spill inside the tunnel”, which “will remain closed throughout the day”.
The government-owned company added: “There are significant delays on all approaches.”
Detours
Road users traveling in a clockwise direction are advised to follow the hollow triangle turning symbol on road signs
- At M25 junction 5 follow the A21 and then take the second exit for the A25 towards Westerham.
- Follow the A25 through Sundridge, Brasted, Westerham, Limpsfield and Oxted.
- Continue along the A25 towards Godstone to the A25 / A22 roundabout.
- Take exit 3 on the A22 towards London to M25 Junction 6 “Godstone Interchange” and take exit 2 to rejoin the M25 towards Gatwick.
Road users traveling in an anti-clockwise direction are advised to follow the hollow square turning symbol on road signs
- Exit the M25 at J6, then at the Godstone Interchange take the 3rd exit onto the A22 towards East Grinstead.
- At the A22/A25 roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A25 towards Westerham.
- Follow the A25 through Limpsfield, Oxted, Westerham, Brasted and Sundridge.
- At the junction with the A25/M25 traffic signals turn left to rejoin the M25 towards Dartford Crossing.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education