DRAMATIC footage has captured a lorry exploding into a huge fireball on the M25, sparking severe delays for thousands of drivers this morning.
The motorway is closed in the clockwise direction between Junction 5 in Kent and Junction 6 in Surrey because of the devastating blaze.
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The M25 clockwise carriageway is “likely to remain closed throughout the day”.
This is due to the need for specialist equipment to remove the lorry with the road likely requiring resurfacing.
A video posted on social media showed the moment the lorry burst into flames bringing traffic to a standstill.
Drivers stuck on the motorway filmed the burning wreckage as fire crews tackled the blaze.
Another driver captured the flames engulfing the stranded lorry – with smoke billowing across the motorway.
After firefighters extinguished the blaze, the video revealed the charred remains of the lorry, with hardly any recognisable parts left.
Thousands of drivers are suffering severe delays because of the closures.
The truck overturned after hitting debris on the carriageway late on Sunday night, The Sun understands.
It is understood the driver is safe following the horror motorway accident.
The blaze has also closed the M26 westbound between J2A near Wrotham Heath in Kent and M25/A21.
The anti-clockwise carriageway has re-opened but lanes 3 and 4 remain closed within J6.
Cops, fire crews and National Highways traffic marshals raced to the scene.
National Highways said: “If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.”
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A spokesperson added: “Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route 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 centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.”
National Highway Traffic officers have remained on the scene to assist with traffic management.
Frustrated Motorists have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to find out when the congested roads will reopen.
One user wrote: “Any idea when fully open?”
National Highways responded: “Hello, unfortunately, no estimated time for re-opening at the moment.
“Please keep an eye on our feed for updates. Thank you for your patience.”
One unhappy driver commented: “This has been shut for seven hours and still you’ve no idea when it will even partially open!”
Meanwhile, a separate incident at the Dartford Crossing between Kent and Essex is also causing major congestion.
National Highways said the northbound Dartford east tunnel is closed as overnight roadworks overran because a maintenance vehicle broke down within it, requiring emergency resurfacing works.
It said there is a “large spillage within the tunnel”, which will “remain closed throughout the day”.
The Government-owned company added: “There are severe delays on all approaches.”
Diversion routes
Road users travelling clockwise are advised to follow the Hollow Triangle diversion symbol on road signs
- At M25 Junction 5 follow onto A21 and then take the second A25 exit towards Westerham.
- Follow A25 through Sundridge, Brasted, Westerham, Limpsfield and Oxted.
- Continue along A25 towards Godstone to A25 / A22 roundabout.
- Take 3rd exit onto A22 towards London to M25 Junction 6 “Godstone Interchange” and take 2nd exit and rejoin M25 towards Gatwick.
Road users travelling anti-clockwise are advised to follow the Hollow Square diversion 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 traffic signal junction A25/M25 turn left to re-join the M25 towards Dartford Crossing.