Motorists face travel misery after a lorry carrying car tyres burst into flames on the M25, forcing authorities to shut Britain’s busiest motorway in both directions near the Dartford Crossing. The devastating blaze erupted at 12.15pm today, creating thick plumes of smoke visible for miles and triggering massive tailbacks.
National Highways has warned the closure between Junction 30 (Dartford Crossing) and Junction 29 (Romford) will likely remain in place throughout the day, with major resurfacing work required once the fire is extinguished. Delays of at least 60 minutes are affecting thousands of drivers, with normal conditions not expected until after 3.15pm at the earliest.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the HGV was “fully laden with car tyres” when it caught fire, creating an intense blaze that has proved challenging to tackle due to the highly flammable cargo.
Multi-Service Response to Tackle Inferno
Emergency crews from across three counties have rushed to the scene in a major coordinated response. Essex Fire and Rescue Service deployed four crews – two from Grays, one from Basildon and one from Brentwood – while London Fire Brigade and Kent Fire and Rescue Service also sent units to assist.
A spokesperson for Essex Fire and Rescue Service told GB News: “The lorry is carrying tyres, which are alight and are producing large amounts of smoke. The clockwise carriageway is closed and there are long delays on the anticlockwise carriageway.”
They urged motorists to “avoid the area if you can and take extra care if you are near the scene” as firefighters continue battling the blaze.
National Highways East posted dramatic images on X, formerly Twitter, showing flames engulfing the vehicle with thick black smoke billowing across the carriageway. The intensity of the fire has raised serious concerns about damage to the road surface.
Trapped Motorists Face Hours of Delays
Hundreds of vehicles remain trapped within the closure zone as authorities work to implement emergency plans to release the stranded traffic. National Highways confirmed they are “putting plans in place to relieve traffic caught within the closure” but warned this process will take time.
The agency stated: “Due to the nature of the fire, it is still anticipated that the road will remain closed throughout the day, with resurfacing likely to be required. Traffic has temporarily stopped on the clockwise carriageway while fire services continue to work on scene.”
Traffic monitoring systems show severe congestion extending for miles in both directions from the incident, with knock-on effects hitting surrounding roads as drivers desperately seek alternative routes.
The timing of the fire during the busy lunchtime period has maximised disruption, affecting both commercial traffic and holidaymakers using the vital Thames crossing route.
Major Diversion Routes in Operation
Authorities have established official diversion routes to help motorists navigate around the closed section, though these alternative roads are also experiencing heavy congestion.
For anti-clockwise traffic, drivers should follow the hollow square diversion symbols:
- Exit M25 at Junction 30 and take the third exit onto A13 towards Tilbury
- At A128, bear left onto the exit slip and take the first exit at Orsett Cock roundabout onto A128 towards Brentwood
- At Halfway House roundabout, take the first exit onto A127 towards London
- Follow A127 and take the exit towards M25 Junction 29, then take the third exit to rejoin M25 towards Stansted
For clockwise traffic, follow the hollow triangle diversion symbols:
- Exit M25 at Junction 29 onto A127
- At the next roundabout, take the fourth exit onto A128
- Travel on A128 towards Orsett
- At Orsett Cock roundabout, take the fourth exit onto A13
- Travel on A13 westbound and rejoin M25 at Junction 30
Dartford Crossing Impact
The fire’s proximity to the Dartford Crossing has created particular problems for traffic flow at this crucial pinch point where the M25 crosses the Thames. The crossing, which connects Kent and Essex, handles around 160,000 vehicles daily and is frequently congested even under normal conditions.
Slow-moving or stationary traffic has been reported on both sides of the crossing as the incident creates a bottleneck effect. The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and Dartford Tunnels, which form the crossing, are operating normally but struggling to cope with diverted traffic.
Local roads through Thurrock, Dartford and surrounding areas are experiencing severe congestion as drivers attempt to find alternative routes across the Thames.
Tyre Fires Pose Unique Challenges
The cargo of tyres has created specific difficulties for firefighters due to the materials’ tendency to burn intensely and produce toxic smoke. Tyre fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and can reignite even after appearing to be under control.
The rubber compounds in tyres burn at extremely high temperatures, potentially causing severe damage to the road surface beneath. This explains National Highways’ warning that extensive resurfacing work will likely be required before the motorway can safely reopen.
Environmental concerns have also been raised due to the thick black smoke produced by burning tyres, which contains various toxic compounds. The smoke plume has been visible across a wide area of Essex and Kent.
Wider Traffic Network Under Strain
The M25 closure has sent shockwaves through the regional road network, with major routes including the A13, A127 and A128 all experiencing heavy congestion from diverted traffic. Journey times on these roads have increased dramatically as they struggle to absorb the displaced M25 traffic.
Rail services are also reporting increased passenger numbers as some motorists abandon their vehicles to seek alternative transport. C2C and Greater Anglia have reported busier than normal services as commuters seek to avoid the road chaos.
Local businesses near the affected junctions have reported disruption, with deliveries delayed and staff unable to reach workplaces. The economic impact of the closure on one of Europe’s busiest motorways is expected to run into millions of pounds.
Safety Warnings for Motorists
Highways officials have issued urgent safety advice for drivers in the area. Those stuck in stationary traffic are advised to remain in their vehicles with seatbelts fastened unless directed otherwise by police or highways officers.
Motorists approaching the area are strongly urged to:
- Check traffic updates before travelling
- Allow significant extra time for journeys
- Follow official diversion routes
- Avoid using sat-navs that may not reflect the closure
- Stay alert for emergency vehicles requiring access
National Highways emphasised: “Please avoid the area if possible and consider delaying your journey until much later today. The road is likely to remain closed for several hours.”
Previous M25 Incidents
Today’s fire is the latest in a series of major incidents to hit the M25 in recent years. The 117-mile orbital motorway, which carries over 200,000 vehicles daily on its busiest sections, has seen numerous closures due to serious accidents and vehicle fires.
The strategic importance of the route means any closure causes widespread disruption across London and the South East. Today’s incident, occurring near the vital Dartford Crossing, represents one of the most disruptive scenarios possible on the network.
As emergency services continue their work at the scene, motorists face an afternoon and evening of severe delays. With resurfacing work required after the fire is extinguished, the full reopening of this crucial section of motorway may not occur until late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
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