Skip advert
Advertisement

Ten miles of M25 traffic jam after serious lorry fire

One lane remains closed as huge lorry blaze causes up to three hours of delays

Smart motorway

Queues of up to 10 miles are stretching across the M25, with drivers queuing for several hours after a huge lorry fire that resulted in two lanes closing between junctions five and six.

Surrey Police were notified of what has been described by National Highways as a “serious” lorry fire at around 01:00 Friday morning. The lorry was said to have been carrying a shipment of metal sheeting, with it taking until 03:00 for five specialist units to extinguish the blaze.

The incident resulted in two lanes being closed clockwise between junction five for Sevenoaks and junction six for Godstone. As of 10:00 on Friday, one lane remains closed, however, National Highways is reporting “severe delays of up to three hours” as traffic is backed up more than ten miles.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A pavement engineer is due to assess the scene and determine whether it is safe for traffic to drive on the now-closed lane one since the removal of the wreckage. National Highways says that “all lanes will be open throughout the day once recovery work has been completed”.

Still, huge queues mean that delays of up to 45 minutes are plaguing the neighbouring M26 which connects to the aforementioned junction five. A National Highways spokesperson has advised drivers to “allow extra time if travelling in the area”.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, which attended the scene alongside Kent’s own fire department, reported on Facebook and ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) that, despite the severity of the blaze, “There are no casualties”.

Get more car news, video, pictures and exclusive content on our Facebook page...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Consumer reporter

Tom is Auto Express' Consumer reporter, meaning he spends his time investigating the stories that matter to all motorists - enthusiasts or otherwise. An ex-BBC journalist and Multimedia Journalism graduate, Tom previously wrote for partner sites Carbuyer and DrivingElectric and you may also spot him throwing away his dignity by filming videos for the Auto Express social media channels.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support
Car and money

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support

The BVRLA says the disparity in supply and demand for electric cars is resulting in weaker-than-expected residuals, which is costing firms millions
News
11 Apr 2025
Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month
Mazda 3 front corner right

Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month

Fluid handling and even more flowing styling are the selling points of the Mazda 3 in this affordable deal
News
12 Apr 2025