Severe delays on M25 after major lorry fire and large spillage

There are severe delays on the M25 London orbital after a lorry caught fire and a maintenance vehicle caused a large spillage.

The fire happened between junction 5 near Sevenoaks and junction 6 for Godstone at around 10pm on Sunday.

Separately the northbound tunnel of the Dartford Crossing between Essex and Kent is also closed because of the spillage.

At the scene of the blaze, which involved a heavy goods vehicle, all lanes in a clockwise direction are closed.

The carriageway is likely to remain closed until at least midday, National Highways said.

"Specialist recovery will be required and the road surface will likely need to be resurfaced," it added.

Surrey Fire and Rescue said it sent seven appliances and warned drivers to avoid the area.

The anti-clockwise carriageway has now reopened, but lanes three and four remain closed at junction 6.

The stretch of road had earlier been closed in both directions.

The M26 westbound between junction 2A near Wrotham Heath and the junction with the M25 and A21, has also been closed, National Highways said.

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The northbound east tunnel of the Dartford crossing is closed as overnight roadworks overran after a maintenance vehicle broke down.

National Highways said there is a "large spillage within the tunnel", which will "remain closed throughout the day".

(c) Sky News 2024: Severe delays on M25 after major lorry fire and large spillage