Bank Holiday Travel Chaos: M25 Blocked After Lorry Fire And Crash

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Published on August 26, 2025

This morning a lorry that was transporting hay bales caught fire, resulting in the M25 getting congested between junctions 25 (Enfield) and 24 (Potters Bar) in Hertfordshire. The fire which started before 5:30 AM was severely impeded for quite some time due to the construction at that area. This incident created immense chaos among the drivers returning from work due to the long holiday weekend.

Everything became much after a large number of vehicles colliding towards the back of the construction. This caused even greater inconvenience before the congested time.

Impact of the M25 Incident: Traffic Chaos and Delays After Fire Breakout

The fire broke out on an HGV transporting hay bales on the anti-clockwise stretch of the M25, leading to a complete closure between junction 25 (Waltham Cross Interchange, Enfield) and junction 24 (Potters Bar Interchange). The fire service responded swiftly, with four fire engines and 25 firefighters working to control the blaze.

While the fire was contained, a small part of the lorry remained alight by 7:30 AM. The incident resulted in significant delays, with queues building up to at least seven miles, and drivers were brought to a standstill. Advertisement

As the fire raged, the situation was worsened by a multi-vehicle crash in the tailbacks.

This led to further delays, with National Highways reporting that the road would remain closed for several hours. In addition to the immediate impact on drivers, the incident severely disrupted morning traffic as many were attempting to return to work after the Bank Holiday.

Emergency Crews on the Scene: How First Responders Managed M25 Disruption

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, along with the London Fire Brigade, quickly deployed resources to the scene. The emergency crews tackled the fire while National Highways worked to clear the traffic and ensure the safety of those involved.

By 7:30 AM, emergency services had conducted a thorough inspection of the scene, and the lorry was eventually removed from the area. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, National Highways confirmed delays of up to 90 minutes, with an alternative route passing through London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This diversion added complexity to the situation, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the route.

Additionally, the diversion came with a 4.7-metre height restriction, which caused additional complications for larger vehicles.

M25 Travel Disruption: Essential Diversion Routes and Traffic Flow Updates

In response to the closure, National Highways set up a diversion route. Drivers were advised to take the following alternative path:

Exit the M25 at junction 25 (Waltham Cross Interchange).
Continue southbound on the A10, towards the Great Cambridge Junction with the A406.
Travel west on the A406 North Circular to the junction with the A1.
Turn north on the A1 to junction 23 of the M25.
Follow the A1 northbound and rejoin the M25 anti-clockwise at junction 23.

This diversion route passed through the ULEZ, which may have caused inconvenience for drivers, especially those in non-compliant vehicles. The alternative route was also less than ideal, especially for larger vehicles, due to the aforementioned height restriction of 4.7 metres.

A Reminder for Commuters: Plan Ahead

This incident serves as a reminder for commuters and travellers that accidents, fires, and closures can quickly disrupt planned travel.

It highlights the importance of staying updated with real-time traffic and travel information. When possible, drivers should plan alternative routes and factor in potential delays, especially on busy roads like the M25, which connects many key areas of London and the surrounding regions. For those who rely on the M25 for their daily commute, it is recommended to check National Highways updates and traffic reports before setting off, particularly after a long holiday weekend when road traffic volumes are higher than usual.

Travel Safety Tips: How to Stay Informed and Avoid Road Disruptions

Today's fire incident on the M25 showcases how quickly emergencies can disrupt traffic flow, especially after a bank holiday.

While attending to the active fire incident, emergency services always try their best to minimize traffic congestion. Thus, it is very important for commuters to remain calm, control their urges to panic, and rely on real-time traffic updates. For drivers, keeping up to date with places like National Highways or local government updates is very important.

Chaos resulting from this fire exemplifies the unpredictability of road travel, and at the same time need to prioritize safety.

In this regard, while diversions and delays may be inconvenient, the proper measures to protect all road users should always remain the top priority.

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