Chaos ruled the Dartford Tunnel after a rogue lorry driver smashed critical equipment and fled the scene, sparking hours of gridlock for Kent-to-Essex commuters.
HGV Crash Sparks Tunnel Meltdown
Just before midday on Friday, January 23, an over-height HGV rammed vital systems inside the Dartford Tunnel. The crash forced National Highways to shut the left-hand tunnel for emergency repairs.
With only one tunnel lane left open, drivers were stuck in brutal jams with delays stretching up to two hours during rush hour. The tunnel did not fully reopen until 8pm the following day, January 24.
Hit-and-Run Driver Still At Large
Kent Police confirmed the lorry driver ignored the crash and refused to stop. A spokesperson said: “The incident happened at around lunchtime the previous day, and the driver is alleged to not have stopped following the collision. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
Dartford MP Demands Action and Apology
Local MP Jim Dickson blasted the disruption for residents and businesses, calling for a full investigation. He said:
“I’m relieved to say the northbound west tunnel was reopened overnight and traffic should now be back to normal.
I have already called on National Highways to perform a full investigation into how this was allowed to happen and how it can be prevented in future.
Dartford residents and businesses are owed an apology for the serious disruption caused over the past 36 hours.”
National Highways Urges Patience Amid Repairs
Sean Martell, head of service delivery at National Highways, thanked drivers for bearing with the chaos:
“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.”
