Home Office Drone Catches Fire on M20, Sparks Motorway Chaos
The Home Office is scrambling after one of its surveillance drones burst into flames on the M20 in Kent, causing major disruption for drivers. Emergency services rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze and clear the chaos.
Flaming Drone Sparks Panic on Busy Motorway
The incident unfolded at around 2pm on Sunday, 24 August, on the westbound carriageway of the M20 between Junction 13 (1) and Junction 12 (Cheriton).
Photos from the scene showed the Home Office-branded drone smouldering on the hard shoulder as firefighters worked to control the flames. Two fire engines arrived quickly, dousing the fire with hose reel jets. Luckily, no one was hurt.
By 3pm, the flames were out, traffic had cleared, and all lanes were reopened.
Home Office Launches Probe Into Drone Fire
“We can confirm that a surveillance drone was involved in an incident in Kent. We are grateful to Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the Civil Aviation Authority for their swift response. An investigation into the incident is now underway,” a Home Office spokesperson said.
Reports suggest the drone may have crashed into water earlier and was being transported by vehicle when the fire broke out on the motorway.
State-of-the-Art Drone Under Fire
The drone is part of a fleet supplied under a three-year Home Office contract awarded in 2023 to Portuguese manufacturer Tekever. The model, Tekever AR5 Evolution Mk2, boasts impressive specs, including the ability to stay in the air for over 20 hours and carries high-tech sensors such as maritime radar and high-resolution day/night cameras.
These drones play a crucial role in monitoring the English Channel, tracking small boat crossings as part of border security.
Bank Holiday Motorists Hit by Delays
The drone fire forced temporary lane closures and triggered long queues on the busy motorway during the Bank Holiday weekend. Authorities urged drivers to steer clear of the area to avoid further disruption.
