M2 delays after crash and lorry fire near Junction 5 for Sittingbourne, Maidstone and Sheppey
A lorry fire caused long delays on a motorway and surrounding towns.
Traffic is being held on the M2 after the incident on the coastbound carriageway at around 2.50pm, just after Junction 5 for Maidstone[1], Sittingbourne[2], and Sheppey[3].
There has also been a crash on the A249 between Detling Showground and Junction 5 of the M2, which is being used as a diversion for the M2 traffic.
The London-bound carriageway of the M2 has reopened between Junction 6 and Junction 5 after closing due to the severity of the fire.
It is expected that the M2 will remain closed until a recovery has been completed.
Repairs to the road surface are also to be carried out.
Seven fire engines and a bulk water carrier are in attendance and crews wearing breathing apparatus used compressed air foam to extinguish the flames.
Police and National Highways are in attendance.
Surrounding towns are been affected by the delays and build ups.
Traffic through the streets of Sittingbourne is slow moving, as reported at 5.35pm, as a result of the ignited vehicle with some caught reporting it has taken more than two hours to drive 16 miles.
Rainham has been badly hit with one motorist saying it took him 20 minutes to get through Bowaters roundabout. There are long queues at the approach to the high street.
Drivers are being advised to use an alternative route.
Road users travelling eastbound are advised to follow the Solid Circle diversion symbol on road signs.
Coastbound diverted traffic will exit the M2 at Junction 5 and travel the reverse of the westbound diversion route.