A major section of the M25 motorway remains closed this morning after a crash involving two lorries, one of which overturned and spilled waste, diesel and oil across the carriageway.
The incident happened on the anti-clockwise stretch between junction 6 (Godstone Interchange, Surrey) and junction 5 (Chevening Interchange, Kent) in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
National Highways confirmed the section will remain shut throughout the morning rush hour, with drivers facing severe disruption.
Hazardous Spill Causes Delays and Diversions
One of the lorries involved was transporting hazardous waste, which leaked after the tanker was ruptured in the crash. Fuel and oil also spilled across multiple lanes, triggering a complex clean-up and resurfacing operation.
A spokesperson for National Highways said:
“Due to the nature of the spill, the road will remain closed until all debris and contaminants are safely cleared. This may take several hours.”
A full closure is in place while emergency teams manage the environmental risk and assess the road surface for damage. Resurfacing may be required before the route can be safely reopened.
Impact on Travel Across the South East
The closure is affecting thousands of motorists, including those heading to and from:
- Heathrow and Gatwick airports
- Port of Dover
- Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone
Delays of up to 40 minutes were already reported by 7am, with traffic caught between the junctions being slowly released past the crash site. Diversions have been set up using local A roads, but congestion is expected to persist throughout the morning.
Incident Timeline
- 4:14am – National Highways reports crash involving two lorries.
- 7:00am – Delays exceed 40 minutes on the approach.
- Ongoing – Clean-up and environmental response teams working on site.
Travel Advice
- Avoid the area where possible.
- Check travel updates before setting out.
- Follow official diversion routes and avoid using smaller local roads to bypass traffic.
National Highways and emergency services continue to monitor the situation. Updates will be issued as the clean-up progresses.
