M25 reopens clockwise between J5 (M26 interchange) and Clacket Lane Services after huge van fire

Long delays remain on a motorway while emergency repairs are carried out following a huge van fire.

National Highways tweeted a picture of the vehicle engulfed in flames on the M25 this morning, with large clouds of thick smoke billowing into the sky.

A picture of the van fire on the M25 tweeted by National Highways: Picture: National Highways South East

A picture of the van fire on the M25 tweeted by National Highways: Picture: National Highways South East

A picture of the van fire on the M25 tweeted by National Highways: Picture: National Highways South East

All traffic was held on the motorway clockwise between J5 (M26 interchange) and Clacket Lane Services from about 8.20am.

Firefighters soon arrived and extinguished the raging inferno.

Firefighters at work extinguishing the van fire on the M25. Picture: National Highways South East

Firefighters at work extinguishing the van fire on the M25. Picture: National Highways South East

Firefighters at work extinguishing the van fire on the M25. Picture: National Highways South East

But as of 12.30pm, two lanes remain closed for “emergency repairs” to be carried out.

There is congestion to the M25 J4 (Orpington), the A21 in Chipstead and the A25 Main Road through to the B2211 Chevening Road in Sundrige.

As of 2.18pm, National Highways issues a further update to say both lanes had reopened.

A spokesman said: “Emergency repairs have now commenced on the M25[1] in Kent[2] clockwise between J5 and J6 following a van fire.

“Lanes 3 and 4 are open with traffic running past the scene. There are currently 30 minute delays.”

Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for journeys.

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References

  1. ^ M25 (twitter.com)
  2. ^ Kent (twitter.com)