A crash involving two lorries on the A282 Dartford Crossing earlier today caused significant traffic delays and left one person injured.
The collision occurred around 12 PM on February 20, leading to the closure of multiple lanes and severe congestion on one of the busiest routes connecting Kent and Essex.
Emergency Response and Injury Update
Emergency services, including the South East Coast Ambulance Service, responded swiftly to the scene. One person was treated for minor injuries and fortunately did not require hospital treatment, being discharged at the scene.
A spokesperson for the South East Coast Ambulance Service stated:
“We attended the incident and treated one individual on-site who sustained minor injuries. No further medical attention was needed.”
Traffic Chaos and Delays
The crash led to the closure of three lanes on the Dartford Crossing, causing hour-and-a-half delays at the height of the disruption. Commuters reported 12 miles of congestion, with traffic stretching back onto the M25 anticlockwise.
An eyewitness described the scene as a “massive pile-up”, with cars and lorries backed up for miles and drivers stuck for over an hour.
By 1:30 PM, all lanes were reopened, but residual delays of up to 10 minutes remained on the M25 anticlockwise as traffic slowly returned to normal.
Travel Advice
National Highways has urged drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and to check for updates before traveling through the area.
A spokesperson said:
“While the road has fully reopened, residual delays remain on the approach to the Dartford Crossing. We advise drivers to plan ahead and use alternative routes where possible.”
Ongoing Investigations
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities are examining dashcam footage and gathering eyewitness accounts to determine how the two lorries collided.
No further injuries have been reported, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Public Reaction
Commuters took to social media to express frustration over the delays, with one user tweeting:
“Stuck on the Dartford Crossing for over an hour. Traffic not moving. Hope everyone involved is okay.”
Another posted:
“Traffic chaos at Dartford Crossing today. Thankful that no one was seriously hurt.”
Traffic Updates
Drivers are encouraged to check live traffic updates through the AA, National Highways, or local radio stations for the latest information.
