M25 Chaos to Last Into the Evening After Two Major Incidents
Motorists face huge delays on the M25 and at the Dartford Crossing tonight after a series of serious incidents. Repair works are ongoing following a massive HGV fire and a hydraulic fluid spill, with disruption expected to continue well into the evening.
Massive HGV Fire Devastates M25 Between Junctions 5 & 6
A huge fire ripped through a heavy goods vehicle just after 10pm on Sunday between junction 5 (Sevenoaks) and junction 6 (Godstone) on the clockwise M25. Firefighters battled the blaze for 10 hours, but damage to the road and central reservation is extensive.
The fire was so intense that the truck was practically destroyed, complicating recovery efforts. Specialist cutting tools are now being used to dismantle the wreckage, with debris still scattered across the carriageway.
Dartford Tunnel Shut After Hydraulic Fluid Leak
Separately, overnight maintenance at the northbound Dartford Tunnel saw a hydraulic leak that forced closure of the east tunnel. Around 400 metres of the road surface now needs resurfacing, slashing northbound capacity by 50%. The closure is expected to remain all day, causing severe congestion during rush hour.
Drivers are warned to expect long delays and plan alternative routes where possible.
HGV Drivers Beware: Height Restrictions in Effect
HGV drivers need to note that over-height vehicles cannot squeeze through the remaining northbound tunnel due to a 15ft 9in (4.8m) height limit. They must use the clockwise M25 and follow official diversion routes.
Travel Advice: Plan Ahead and Expect Delays
- Check National Highways Travel Alerts for live updates and diversions.
- Allow extra journey time—traffic is gridlocked due to repair works.
- Authorities are working nonstop to clear the affected areas as quickly as possible.
Stay tuned for the latest on this developing story.
