Police are hunting a lorry driver who caused major chaos in the Dartford Tunnel after smashing critical systems — and then didn’t stop. The crash triggered hours of hellish delays for drivers heading from Kent to Essex.
HGV Smashes Tunnel, Sparks Hours of Delays
The nightmare unfolded around midday on Friday, January 23, when an HGV, reportedly over the permitted height limit, struck vital tunnel equipment. This forced National Highways to shut the left-hand tunnel for urgent, extensive repairs.
Dartford residents and businesses are owed an apology for the serious disruption caused over the past 36 hours.”
National Highways Pleads for Patience
Sean Martell, head of service delivery at National Highways, thanked frustrated drivers for bearing with the disruption.
“The damaged equipment is critical to the safe operation of the tunnel, and it was vital that all systems were fully functional before reopening. We recognise the frustration this closure caused for road users, but the safety of everyone who uses and works on our road network must always remain our highest priority.”
