A major multi-vehicle collision has thrown one of Britain's most critical transport arteries into chaos, forcing the complete shutdown of the M25 clockwise near Heathrow Airport during Thursday morning's rush hour.
Surrey Police confirmed a "serious multi-vehicle collision" occurred between junctions 10 and 11, prompting emergency services to implement a full closure of the clockwise carriageway. The incident has created travel nightmares for thousands of commuters and airport-bound travellers.
Travel Chaos Unfolds
National Highways issued an urgent alert warning drivers to expect "severe delays" of at least 60 minutes as congestion quickly built to over 10 miles. The closure has created a domino effect across the surrounding road network, with heavy traffic spilling onto alternative routes.
Drivers heading towards Heathrow Airport face particular disruption, with the clockwise closure affecting access to one of the world's busiest international hubs during peak travel hours.
Emergency Response
Multiple emergency service vehicles rushed to the scene, including police, ambulance, and fire crews. While details about injuries remain limited, the classification as a "serious" incident suggests significant emergency response requirements.
Surrey Police have established a comprehensive cordon around the collision site as investigation and recovery operations continue.
Alternative Routes Advised
Transport authorities are strongly recommending drivers avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes. The anti-clockwise carriageway remains operational but is experiencing increased congestion due to rubbernecking and diverted traffic.
National Highways stated: "There is currently 4 miles of congestion on the approach to the closure, causing at least 60-minute delays above usual travel times."
This latest incident highlights the vulnerability of the UK's critical road infrastructure, particularly the M25 orbital motorway that serves as London's vital circulatory system.
