A serious lorry fire causes widespread disruption as both the M25 and M26 close in the early hours of Monday morning

In a dramatic turn of events late Sunday night, a serious lorry fire has forced the closure of the M25 in both directions between junctions 5 near Sevenoaks and junction 6 for Godstone. The incident, which erupted around 10pm, has resulted in significant traffic disruption as authorities scramble to manage the aftermath.

National Highways South-East quickly responded to the emergency, announcing on social media that the M26 westbound would also close between junction 2A and its junction with the M25 and A21. This chain reaction of closures has left motorists searching for alternative routes, as the situation continues to evolve.

As fire crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene, they deployed seven fire appliances to tackle the blaze. Eyewitnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke rising into the night sky, visible from miles away. The fire’s intensity raised concerns about the structural integrity of the motorway, leading officials to act swiftly to ensure the safety of all road users.

In a statement, Surrey Police confirmed that the M25 would remain closed for an extended period. “The road is closed in both directions between junctions 5-6, and is likely to be impacted for some time,” they stated. The police urged drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, as emergency services worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and clear the wreckage.

Traffic congestion began to build rapidly as vehicles were diverted, creating a ripple effect across the local road network. Commuters and travellers alike found themselves stuck in lengthy queues, their journeys disrupted by the unexpected turn of events. Frustrated motorists took to social media to share their experiences, with some venting their frustrations over the lengthy delays and the lack of immediate information.

“I was on my way home from work, and suddenly the road just came to a standstill,” recounted one driver. “I had no idea what was happening until I saw the fire trucks racing past. It’s just chaos out here.”

As the early hours of Monday morning approached, the scene remained active, with fire crews continuing to battle the remnants of the blaze. The response team worked diligently to ensure that the area was safe for the eventual reopening of the motorway. National Highways South-East vowed to keep the public updated as the situation developed, emphasising their commitment to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible.

The M25, a vital artery in the UK road network, often experiences heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. With this latest incident, concerns about road safety and infrastructure resilience have once again come to the forefront. Motorists rely on these major routes for both daily commutes and longer journeys, and any disruption can have significant implications for the economy.

In light of this incident, there may be calls for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure upgrades to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Local officials have previously raised concerns regarding the age and condition of certain stretches of the motorway, and this incident may prompt renewed discussions around investment in road safety.

As the sun began to rise on Monday, updates from the authorities indicated that the fire had been brought under control. However, recovery operations were still underway, with debris needing to be cleared before any thoughts of reopening could be considered. It was evident that the effects of the incident would be felt throughout the day as traffic patterns struggled to normalise.

In the wake of the fire, both local and national news outlets were quick to report on the unfolding situation, providing continuous updates for the public. With social media playing a crucial role in disseminating information, many relied on real-time updates to navigate the evolving situation.

As more details emerge about the cause of the fire and the damage incurred, it remains to be seen how long the closures will persist. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, aiming to provide clarity and accountability.

For now, the M25 and M26 closures stand as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel and the importance of safety on the UK’s busy motorways. Motorists are urged to stay informed and plan ahead as they navigate around the ongoing disruptions