M25 Chaos: Lorry Fire Sparks Three-Hour Delays in Kent
Motorists Hit Hard as Lorry Blaze Blocks M25
Drivers brace for a nightmare on the M25 clockwise in Kent. A lorry packed with metal sheeting caught fire just after 1.30am today between Junction 5 (Sevenoaks/M26) and Junction 6 (South Mimms). The blaze shut down lanes and snarled traffic for hours.
Firefighters Battle Blaze Through The Night
Kent Fire and Rescue Service deployed five units plus a specialised water carrier. They battled the inferno for nearly 90 minutes and finally doused the flames by 3am. But the drama wasn’t over.
The intense heat left the lorry’s metal cargo dangerously hot, forcing ongoing lane closures for safety. Lanes 2 and 3 remain shut for recovery work, while lane 1 stays closed due to roadworks — leaving just one lane clear on this busy stretch.
Recovery Underway, Drivers Warned to Avoid Area
By 9am, crews had removed the searing cargo, but the recovery operation continues. A pavement engineer is standing by to inspect the road for fire damage once the cleanup ends.
Motorists should expect long delays — up to three hours — and are urged to seek alternative routes to dodge gridlock while emergency and repair teams work.
Key Information:
- Incident: Lorry carrying metal sheeting caught fire on M25 clockwise, Kent
- Location: Between Junction 5 (Sevenoaks/M26) and Junction 6 (South Mimms)
- Fire extinguished by 3am after early morning blaze at 1.30am
- Lanes 1, 2, and 3 closed (lane 1 due to long-term works)
- Recovery and safety inspection ongoing, expected delays up to three hours
- Drivers advised to use alternative routes and expect heavy traffic
