A chaotic scene unfolded on the M25 in Surrey this evening after a vehicle reportedly exploded and turned into a fireball within a live lane. The incident, which occurred near Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, prompted an immediate and large-scale emergency response.
Three fire engines from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene just after 10 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, to tackle the blazing vehicle. While crews were dealing with the single-vehicle fire, a secondary incident occurred nearby, involving a multi-vehicle collision. The crash involved a mobile HGV crane, a van, and a caravan.
Miraculously, those involved in both incidents are reported to have escaped serious injuries. However, the situation remains critical as a number of drivers are currently trapped within the closure caused by the incidents.
Surrey Police officers have been dispatched to the scene and are working alongside fire crews to investigate the cause of the vehicle explosion. National Highways officers are also on-site, assisting with traffic management and working to free those trapped within the closure.
Drivers caught in the traffic are being advised to remain in their vehicles while the emergency services continue their work. The authorities are urging patience as they work to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.
The cause of the vehicle’s sudden explosion is still under investigation, and the motorway is expected to remain closed for some time as emergency services clear the scene and carry out their inquiries.
Motorists planning to travel on the M25 in the area are strongly advised to seek alternative routes or delay their journeys to avoid being caught in the severe traffic disruptions.