Police say ‘no evidence of criminal conduct’ after Tesco lorry fireball on M25 near Godstone
Police have closed an investigation into a Tesco lorry exploding into a ball of flames after finding no evidence of criminal conduct. Shocking dashcam footage caught the moment the truck crashed into a barrier while travelling along the M25 clockwise, between Junction 5 for Sevenoaks and Junction 6 near Godstone. A huge fireball erupted from the lorry[1] spilling flames onto the carriageway as it veered into the central reservation before coming to a standstill.
The incident, which happened shortly after 10pm on October 20, caused widespread disruption as emergency services worked to clear the wreckage. A Surrey Police spokesperson told KentOnline: "Our investigation into a single-vehicle collision between a lorry and the central reservation on the M25 on October 20 has concluded. "Following a thorough investigation, there was no evidence found of criminal conduct and no arrests have been made.
"The case has now been filed."
Picture: Anthony Moc
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service would not comment as it left the investigation in the hands of police. Tesco did not respond to a request for comment.
The firm was asked questions about how the driver is after suffering minor injuries, whether it took any formal action against them and if they are still employed by it. Anthony Moc was travelling along the M25 when he captured the moment the truck exploded into a fireball.
"He smashed into the barrier and there was a big ball of fire," the 29-year-old previously told KentOnline.
Picture: National Highways
"I was panicked and a bit scared. "This was the first time I had seen any sort of accident while driving. "I was worried the lorry was going to explode."
The blaze forced the closure of the M25 in both directions. Five fire engines and two water carriers were called to deal with the incident and crews were at the scene for 10 hours.
National Highways said the blaze caused major damage to the road surface and central reservation barrier.
Due to the intensity of the fire, the recovery of the vehicle had also been complicated as parts of it had disintegrated. Mr Moc added: "It caught on fire quickly and I was surprised by that.
"There was a lot of fire. "I am not used to it - I am used to my normal, boring drive."
Another witness, who was also travelling behind the Tesco lorry, said the driver was "pulled to safety before it exploded".
"We managed to hold all traffic back on both sides until the fire service arrived," they said. "It was so lucky no one else was involved."
The driver sustained minor injuries, according to Surrey Police.
References
- ^ A huge fireball erupted from the lorry (www.kentonline.co.uk)