Fire M25 closed overnight after lorry blaze at J27

Disruption on the anticlockwise stretch of the major road continues more than 15 hours after emergency services were called with reports of a crash. The incident, which occurred between J28 and J27, involved two lorries, one of which caught fire. Pictures captured the vehicle engulfed in flames as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

The resulting fire has caused significant damage to the road surface, with an engineer's assessment indicating all four lanes need to be resurfaced. Motorists have been advised by National Highways to plan ahead and allow extra travel time or, where possible, re-route and delay travel. A separate second lorry fire has also resulted in further disruption to the M25 just before J26, where three of the lanes are closed.

National Highways Traffic Officers remain present to assist with traffic management. The road is expected to stay closed throughout the evening and overnight. Drivers planning to travel anti-clockwise between junctions 28 and 26 are advised to follow a specific diversion route to avoid the long-term and ongoing roadworks at Gallows Corner.

Suggested diversion route

Motorists should exit the M25 and J28 onto the A12 eastbound.

On the A12, take the exit at J15 towards Chelmsford on the A414 northbound. Take the first exit at the Widford roundabout, continuing on the A414 westbound to J7 on the M11. The first exit will take you onto the M11 southbound, after which motorists should exit onto the A406 westbound and continue for six miles.

After six miles, join the A10 northbound to rejoin the M25 at J25.