The M25 in Essex was brought to a standstill overnight after two separate lorry fires caused extensive disruption. The first fire occurred between junctions 27 (Epping) and 26 (Waltham Abbey), forcing a full anticlockwise closure of the motorway. A second blaze between junctions 28 and 27 added to the chaos, effectively shutting a longer stretch of the road.
Emergency services, including Essex Fire and Rescue, Essex Police, and National Highways traffic officers, attended the scene. Specialist recovery teams were brought in to remove the burnt-out HGV and its fire-damaged contents. Thick plumes of smoke were visible from traffic cameras, with long queues building up behind the burning vehicles.
National Highways confirmed that the carriageway and surrounding infrastructure would need to be inspected for fire damage before the motorway could reopen. Repairs or further clean-up work may be required. As of the latest update, no reopening time was available, and the closure was expected to continue for several more hours.
Drivers were urged to follow a lengthy diversion route due to existing roadworks at Gallows Corner. Delays reached up to 72 minutes at peak times, with congestion stretching for five miles. National Highways advised motorists to allow extra journey time or consider delaying their travel.
