Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

M25 lorry crash: Vehicle bursts into flames after crashing through barrier

Junctions 30 and 20 were closed because of the fire

Kashmira Gander
Monday 22 June 2015 16:15 EDT
Comments
The fire on the M25 at its height
The fire on the M25 at its height (Highways Agency )

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Drivers are facing delays after a lorry crashed and caught alight on the M25, hours before the start of the evening rush hour.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to the scene at 11:45am following the incident at Saint Mary’s Lane in Upminster, east London.

The 45ft lorry ploughed through motorway barriers and was left dangling off the side of the motorway, The Evening Standard reported.

The lorry, which was carrying cheese, was destroyed in the blaze.

An image from the scene shows thick, black smoke emanating from the lorry as it lies on a grassy embankment.

Smoke from the fire affected junctions 30 and 29, which were closed in both directions at the height of the incident.

The clockwise lanes have since fully re-opened while one anti-clockwise lane remains closed as recovery work and barrier repairs is underway, according to a Highway Agency spokesman.

Delays of around 90 minutes from junction 29 to junction 3 in Kent were being reported at around 3pm.

The LFB tweeted to keep drivers up-to-date throughout the incident.

Some fifteen fire fighters were sent to tackle the blaze, which was brought under control by 1:30pm.

Officials are now investigation the cause of the fire.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in