Rush hour commuters faced severe disruption on the M25 this morning after a multi-vehicle pile-up brought a key section of the motorway to a standstill.
Crash Closes Lanes, Sparks Major Tailbacks
The collision occurred on the anticlockwise carriageway between junctions 28 for Brentwood and 27 for the M11 and Epping. Emergency services, including Essex Police, were swiftly dispatched to the scene following reports of the incident involving multiple vehicles.
National Highways confirmed that the crash necessitated the closure of two out of the four lanes on the busy orbital route. The lane closures remained in place throughout the morning peak to allow emergency crews to work safely at the scene, clear the carriageway, and assist those involved.
Travel Chaos with Delays of Up to an Hour
The incident caused significant knock-on effects for thousands of drivers. National Highways warned that delays on the approach to the collision stretched to 60 minutes above normal journey times, with lengthy tailbacks forming rapidly during the crucial morning travel window.
Drivers were urged to allow extra time for their journeys or to seek alternative routes if possible. The disruption added to the typical Friday congestion, creating a perfect storm of travel misery for those heading to work, airports, or for freight deliveries.
Recovery Operation Underway
Crews worked diligently to manage the scene, with recovery vehicles attending to clear the damaged cars. The primary goals were to ensure the welfare of those involved and to reopen all lanes to restore normal traffic flow as quickly and safely as possible.
National Highways provided regular updates via its social media channels, including a post from its East region account at 07:13 on December 16, 2025, which highlighted the 30-minute minimum delay warning and confirmed Essex Police's presence.
As the recovery operation continued, motorists were advised to check live traffic reports before setting out, with the expectation of residual delays even after all lanes were reopened.
