A multi-vehicle collision on the M25 has caused major disruption this morning after a lorry carrying hay bales burst into flames, forcing the closure of a key stretch of motorway during the rush hour return from the Bank Holiday.
Lorry Fire
The crash happened shortly before 05:30am on the anti-clockwise carriageway between junction 25 (Enfield, A10) and junction 24 (Potters Bar, A111).
Flames quickly engulfed the lorry’s load of hay bales, with four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service sent to the scene.
By 7.30am, the fire was mostly under control, though a small section of the lorry remained alight.
Long Delays
The closure has led to seven-mile tailbacks and delays of up to 90 minutes, with National Highways confirming that traffic caught within the closure was being released past the scene.
A diversion has been put in place, but it passes through London’s ULEZ zone and includes a 4.7m (14.4ft) height restriction, complicating journeys for larger vehicles.
Official Statements
A National Highways spokesperson said:
“The M25 anti-clockwise in Hertfordshire is closed between J25 Waltham Cross Interchange and J24 Potters Bar Interchange due to a lorry transporting hay which caught fire earlier.
Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, East of England Ambulance Service and National Highways Traffic Officers are attending. Traffic within the closure is being released past the scene.”
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson added:
“Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters have been tackling a lorry fire between J25 and J24. Crews have been working hard and a small part of the HGV remains alight. Please avoid the area if you can.”
Diversion Route
Drivers are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on local road signs:
- Exit at J25 and take the A10 southbound
- Continue to the Great Cambridge Junction with the A406 North Circular
- Follow the A406 westbound to the junction with the A1
- Turn right onto the A1 northbound
- Rejoin the M25 at J23
National Highways has urged drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
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