A massive lorry fire has forced the closure of the M2 motorway near Rochester, Kent, causing significant disruption and chaos on the road. The blaze, which erupted on the London-bound carriageway of the M2, has led to two people being injured but thankfully not seriously.
The incident occurred between Junction 3 for Chatham and Junction 2 for Strood, as well as eastbound between Junction 1 and Junction 2, resulting in the complete closure of both carriageways. Residents in the vicinity reported hearing “loud explosions” as the vehicle ignited.
Emergency services, including four fire engines, rushed to the scene on the London-bound carriageway at Junction 2. As of 11:20 pm, two fire engines and a bulk water carrier remain at the site, battling the flames.
Local residents were startled by the incident. A Borstal resident said, “We heard four or five bangs. People have been going out to try to see what is happening after hearing the bangs. It looks like they have shut the motorway.”
In a video capturing the fire, a loud explosion can be heard, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Another witness expressed their fear, saying, “I’ve never seen anything so scary in my life. I’m shaken, hope the driver survived.”
A passing motorist mentioned that the fire initially appeared smaller, concentrated at the front of the lorry behind the driver’s cab. The driver tried to extinguish it from the outside and is reportedly fine.
The glow and smoke from the blaze were visible from miles away, adding to the spectacle and the sense of urgency for emergency responders.
The Kent Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning for people living or travelling near Junction 2 and 3 of the M2, advising them to close windows and doors as a precaution due to smoke emanating from the lorry fire.
The latest update at 10:30 pm from Kent Fire and Rescue said:, two fire engines and a water carrier will remain at the scene “for the next couple of hours,” according to the fire service.
Kent Police responded to the incident and confirmed that two people had sustained injuries in the fire, although these injuries are not believed to be serious.
Highways England announced the M2’s closure in both directions between Junction 3 and Junction 2, as well as between Junction 1 and Junction 2 due to the heavy goods vehicle fire, with emergency services attending the scene.
Drivers have reported being stuck on the motorway since the fire began around 6:30 pm, and it is expected to remain closed for several hours overnight. Motorists are urged to seek alternative routes and exercise patience while the incident is being managed.
Update: 1.33am:
Firefighting operations are now complete at the scene of a fire involving a lorry on the M2 between junction 2 and 3 (London bound) near Chatham and Rochester.
There were two males who sustained some burns to their hands and smoke inhalation, and they were placed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).
SECAmb, Kent Police and Network Rail were all in attendance.
The coast bound side of the motorway has been re-opened and people living or travelling nearby are no longer advised to keep windows and doors closed. Please share this update with any loved ones in the affected area, who might not have access to the internet.
