A major section of the M25 has been closed near the Dartford Tunnel this morning following a serious multi-vehicle crash, causing significant disruption for drivers in Essex.

The anticlockwise carriageway between Junction 30 (Thurrock) and Junction 29 (Upminster) has been completely shut while emergency services respond to the incident.

Essex Police, paramedics, and National Highways Traffic Officers were called to the scene shortly after the crash occurred early Tuesday morning. The exact number of vehicles involved and extent of injuries has not yet been confirmed.

A National Highways England spokesperson said:

“The M25 in Essex is closed anti-clockwise between J30 (Thurrock) and J29 (Upminster) due to a multi-vehicle collision. All emergency services, including Essex Police, are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene providing assistance with traffic management.”

Drivers are being strongly advised to avoid the area, with long delays expected throughout the day.

“If this closure impacts your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead – you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey,” the spokesperson added.

Diversions are in place, but congestion is already building on surrounding routes, particularly along the A13, A127, and local roads through Thurrock and Upminster.

Motorists can get live updates through the National Highways website (www.trafficengland.com), travel apps, and the regional X (formerly Twitter) feed. Additional information is also available via the 24/7 National Highways contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

This incident comes amid a series of recent traffic disruptions on key commuter routes across the southeast, raising concerns about road safety and emergency response times during peak travel periods.

Further updates will follow as more details are confirmed.