Police issue M25 lorry driver update after fire closes motorway
Surrey Police has given an update on the condition of a lorry driver after their vehicle caught fire on the M25[1]. Shortly after 10pm on Sunday, October 20, police, paramedics and fire crews rushed to the scene on the clockwise carriageway between Junction 5 for Sevenoaks and Junction 6 for Godstone and Caterham[2].
Officers from Surrey Police[3] and Surrey Fire and Rescue crews were joined by responders from Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service. South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) paramedics also attended, as well as teams from National Highways.
It has been confirmed that the HGV had been involved in a collision before catching alight. Images from the scene have shown that the large blaze had nearly entirely consumed the lorry as dark plumes of smoke rose from the flames.
Newly released pictures from the scene have shown the aftermath of the fire, which caused excessive damage to both the vehicle and carriageway. A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: “Fortunately the driver sustained minor injuries only.”
The clockwise carriageway of the M25 remains closed between Sevenoaks and Godstone (Image: Nikki Scott)
SECAmb paramedics treated the driver and they were discharged at the scene. No further injuries have been reported.
A road closure was implemented while emergency responders worked, shutting off the motorway in both directions into the early hours of Monday morning. Two lanes of four have since been re-opened on the anti-clockwise carriageway, though the M25 clockwise remains fully closed between Junction 5 and Junction 6.
As resurfacing works are likely following the large fire, National Highways anticipates that this stretch of the motorway will remain shut ‘throughout the day’. Drivers have been warned to expect severe delays on all approaches, with Surrey Police urging motorists to: “Please avoid the area and seek an alternative route.”
The M25 clockwise remains closed between Junction 5 for Sevenoaks and Junction 6 for Godstone and Caterham (Image: National Highways)
A spokesperson for National Highways added: “The clockwise carriageway is likely to remain closed throughout the day as specialist recovery will be required and the carriageway will likely need to be resurfaced. Emergency services including Surrey Police and Surrey Fire & Rescue attended the scene.
“National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors remain in attendance assisting with traffic management.” All further updates to this ongoing incident will be shared to our live blog here[6].
Get the latest Surrey traffic and travel updates direct to your inbox for free here.[7]
References
- ^ M25 (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Caterham (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Surrey Police (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ M25 diversion route as lorry fire causes 90 minute delays (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Body recovered from River Thames in Surrey after ten-day search (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ here. (www.getsurrey.co.uk)