Gridlock as lorry catches fire on M25

1 hour ago

Nathan BevanSouth East

News image — There is currently no estimated time of when the carriageway will fully reopen

National Highways Fire engines, a smouldering lorry and long queues of traffic on a motorway. — There is currently no estimated time of when the carriageway will fully reopen

There are huge tailbacks on the M25 in Kent after an HGV fire blocked the road between junctions six and five anti-clockwise.

The incident occurred at 16:05 BST on Monday, near Westerham, and drivers have been stuck in their vehicles since the motorway was shut at 17:14 BST.

Just after 20:00 BST, a single line of traffic was being allowed past the now-smouldering lorry on the hard shoulder as Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) remain at the scene.

National Highways said there was no estimate for when the road would fully reopen and diversions were being put in place.

Traffic camera images show long queues and people could be seen getting out of their vehicles and standing on the carriageway as firefighters dealt with situation up ahead.

A spokesperson for KFRS said: "At the height of the fire, four fire engines and a bulk water carrier attended.

National Highways Long queues of motorway traffic, with people getting out of their stationary vehicles to stand on the carriageway. — People could be seen getting out of their vehicles

"Crews wearing breathing apparatus have been working to unload the contents of the lorry and extinguish the fire using main jets.

"The incident is now being scaled down to one fire engine and a bulk water carrier.

"No injuries have been reported," they added.

Kent Police have been contacted for comment.

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