Blackwall Tunnel Reopens After Fiery Van Blaze Causes Chaos
The Blackwall Tunnel has finally reopened after a massive van fire shut it down for over 12 hours. The blaze, which broke out just before 12:15 PM yesterday (August 28), forced drivers to abandon their vehicles as thick smoke filled the northbound tunnel, sparking panic and huge traffic snarls across the area.
Panic as Families Flee Thick Smoke
A dramatic video shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed terrified motorists, some with children, rushing to escape the smoke-filled tunnel. One witness said, “That was so scary. I was running with my baby,” capturing the sheer panic inside the tunnel.
The London Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze around 1:20 PM. The van was completely destroyed, but thankfully the driver escaped unhurt before emergency crews arrived.
Traffic Gridlock Hits Greenwich and Beyond
The tunnel’s closure sparked chaos on surrounding roads, creating huge delays on Woolwich Road Flyover, Blackwall Lane, and nearby routes stretching through Greenwich. The jams stretched as far as Trafalgar Road, with gridlock lasting well into Wednesday night.
- Motorists were diverted from the A102 at Woolwich Road.
- Long queues formed on alternative crossings like the Woolwich Ferry, Rotherhithe Tunnel, and Tower Bridge.
- Local roads were brought to a standstill, leaving commuters fuming.
Emergency Services on High Alert
The London Ambulance Service rushed to the scene shortly after the fire started. A spokesperson confirmed, “We sent an ambulance crew, an incident response officer, and our Hazardous Area Response Team to assist emergency partners.” No serious injuries have been reported.
As the Blackwall Tunnel reopens, traffic is slowly returning to normal. Authorities urge drivers to stay patient and allow extra travel time while the backlog clears.
