A serious multi-vehicle collision involving at least one lorry has caused chaos on the M25 during Thursday morning's rush hour, creating massive delays and bringing traffic to a standstill.
The incident occurred anti-clockwise between junctions 10 and 11 near Chertsey in Surrey, prompting emergency services to close three of the four lanes. The resulting gridlock stretched for approximately 12 miles, with National Highways warning drivers to expect disruption throughout the morning.
Travel Chaos During Peak Hours
Commuters faced nightmare conditions as the crash unfolded during one of the busiest travel periods. Traffic cameras showed stationary vehicles backed up for miles, while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and assist those involved.
Drivers reported delays of up to 90 minutes as the lane closures created a bottleneck effect along one of Britain's most critical transport arteries. The anti-clockwise carriageway remained partially closed for several hours while recovery operations continued.
Emergency Response and Recovery
Surrey Police and other emergency services attended the scene following reports of the multi-vehicle collision. While details about injuries remain limited, authorities confirmed they were dealing with a significant incident requiring multiple resources.
National Highways South-East issued an alert stating: "Three lanes are closed and there is approximately 12 miles of congestion on approach, causing at least 90-minute delays above usual journey times."
Alternative Routes Advised
Travel experts urged motorists to seek alternative routes where possible, though the strategic importance of the M25 made complete avoidance difficult. The affected section serves as a crucial link between the south-west and south-east of the orbital motorway.
As recovery vehicles worked to clear the wreckage, traffic began to slowly ease by late morning, but residual delays continued to affect the network. Motorists were advised to check live traffic updates before commencing their journeys.
