Huge plumes of black smoke and ‘acrid smell’ spotted after lorry fire

Huge plumes of smoke were seen around the M25 today as well as loud bangs heard coming from the motorway. Residents spotted the scenes after a lorry fire caused huge delays.

The M25 has been severely disrupted following the lorry fire that emitted ‘black plumes’ and an ‘acrid smell’, according to onlookers. The incident happened in the Brentwood area, between Junction 27 M11 and 28 A12 where traffic reports came in at 12.29pm.

Essex County Fire and Rescue is currently at the scene dealing with the situation. Three lanes are currently closed as recovery works are underway.

Traffic has been temporarily held twice during the ordeal. Heavy traffic and queueing traffic trailing back five miles have also been reported.

National Highways confirmed delays are up to 60 minutes as a result of the lane closures. Navestock resident Roy Tyzack said: “We can only assume that the bangs were the lorry tyres exploding and possibly fuel but it certainly got our attention as did the acrid smell in the air.”

He added: “We could see that the fire and rescue service were in attendance and we can only hope that the occupants managed to escape uninjured.” Essex County Fire and Rescue are yet to comment on the incident.

References

1. ^{^} Live M25 updates as lorry fire shuts most lanes near Brentwood with heavy delays (www.essexlive.news)