M25 Blocked Near Epping After Two Lorry Fires Cause Major Delays
A lorry fire has blocked the M25 both ways overnight between Epping and Waltham Abbey, with plumes of smoke filling the sky and long traffic queues building. Two separate lorry fires have brought a major motorway to a standstill, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The M25 has been blocked both ways between J27 (Epping) and J26 (Waltham Abbey) due to a lorry fire. Updates to follow." National Highways added: "The M25 is closed J28 Brentwood & J27 Epping due to a HGV fire following a traffic collision. All emergency services heading to scene. This is a separate incident to an earlier HGV fire between J27 and J26." Traffic cameras reveal the extent of the blaze, with large plumes of smoke visible and long queues of traffic building up behind the burning vehicle.
Disruption is expected to increase across the M25 in Essex according to National Highways. The long queues are building from two separate lorry fires this morning. The M25 remains closed anticlockwise between J27 Epping and J26 Waltham Abbey due to the initial lorry fire. Essex Fire Service remain at the scene and National Highways claim there are no significant delays at these junctions.
Due to long-term roadworks at Gallows Corner, the usual agreed diversion for this closure cannot be used. Traffic looking to travel anti-clockwise between J28 and J26 will need to follow the route below: At J28: Exit the M25 onto the A12 eastbound. Continue along the A12 eastbound towards J15. Exit the A12 at J15 onto the A414 northbound towards Chelmsford. At the Widford roundabout, take the first exit and continue on the A414 westbound. Continue along the A414 westbound to J7 of the M11. Take the first exit onto the M11 southbound at J7. Exit the M11 onto the A406 westbound and continue for approximately 6 miles to the junction with the A10. Take the A10 northbound to rejoin the M25 at J25.
The M25 in Essex is closed anti-clockwise between J28 and J27 due to a vehicle fire. There is also a full closure due to a separate vehicle fire between J27 and J26. This has effectively closed the M25 all the way from J28 to J26. Emergency services, including Essex Police, are at the scene. National Highways Traffic Officers are also in attendance assisting with traffic management.
Huge queues continue to build following the two incidents as rush hour commences. It is currently unclear when the road will reopen. The lorry involved in the incident between J27 and J26 appears to be destroyed. Traffic cameras show the content of the vehicle spilling on to the M25 with emergency services on scene.
According to National Highways there are no delays on the approach to J28 anticlockwise. As there are two separate fire incidents on neighbouring junctions on the M25 all emergency services are heading to scene. Long queues are building on the M25 after two lorry fires. There is traffic between junction 27 and 28.
The M25 is closed J28 Brentwood & J27 Epping due to a HGV fire following a traffic collision. All emergency services heading to scene. This is a separate incident to an earlier HGV fire between J27 and J26. No delays on the approach to J28 anticlockwise. National Highways have said they are aware of another incident on the motorway. A driver claimed there has been an accident in the queue to leave at J27 too. A spokesperson responded: "We are aware of another incident in this location and will issue an update shortly."
Essex Fire Service are on scene working to control the flames. There are currently no further updates. Traffic cameras show the true extent of the fire - with a lorry fully ablaze on the carriageway. National Highways says that due to the fire's intensity, the road is expected to stay shut for some time. National Highways has confirmed the busy motorway will remain shut until well into the morning.
