M25 closed after truck catches fire while Dartford Tunnel remains closed all day

A lorry burst into flames, blocking part of the M25 and prompting emergency services to respond.

The HGV caught fire on the motorway between Clacket Lane and Junction 6, near Godstone in Surrey, at 10pm on Sunday.

Dozens of firefighters from Kent and Surrey fire rescue services battled the blaze, which closed the M25 in both directions overnight.

The M25 is expected to remain closed clockwise until at least midday on Monday, while two of the four anti-clockwise lanes are expected to be open as of 6.10am.

The incident also closed the westbound M26 motorway between J2A and the M25/A21 near Wrotham Heath. Turns are available.

Meanwhile, the Dartford Tunnel has been partially closed after a maintenance vehicle leaked hydraulic fluid during night work.

National Highways Southeast reports that the East Tunnel will likely be closed all day as it needs to be urgently resurfaced before reopening.

It warns there are currently hours-long delays approaching the tunnel, which carries traffic northbound from Kent to Essex.

Passengers on the tube faced rush hour disruption on the Northern Line due to signal failure at London Bridge.

Follow the latest updates below…

Important things you need to know this morning

• Clockwise M25 expected to be closed until midday after lorry fire

• Dartford Tunnel is likely to remain partially closed all day as motorists currently face delays lasting hours

• Southeastern trains to and from Victoria and Blackfriars disrupted during morning rush hour

Photo shows rescue operation on M25 after lorry fire

08:42 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

A photo shared on X by National Highways shows rescue teams on the M25 clearing the clockwise carriageway following a serious lorry fire last night.

A crane is seen lifting the wreckage of the burning truck from the road. Other pieces of blackened debris and twisted debris remained on the road.

Northern Line delays reduced to ‘minor’

08:38 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Serious delays on the Northern Line are now over. TfL says there are currently minor delays on the line and that there is a good service on the DLR and London Overground, as well as all other tube lines.

People traveling to Gatwick Airport by road are urged to check M25 status

08:30 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Gatwick is urging all passengers traveling to the airport by road today to check the status of the M25, amid ongoing traffic chaos following last night’s lorry fire.

“It may be useful to consider alternative means of transportation to the airport, such as trains,” he said at Airport X.

The M25 is closed clockwise between junctions 5 and 6. Gatwick airport is located near the closure area, off junction 7.

Diversion available on M25 and M26

08:03 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Diversions are in place for motorists traveling clockwise on the M25 and M26 westbound, which are currently closed.

M25 diversion:

National Highways says road users traveling clockwise are advised to follow the hollow triangle guidance symbol on road signs.

• At M25 Junction 5 follow the A21 and then take the second A25 exit towards Westerham.

• Follow the A25 through Sundridge, Brasted, Westerham, Limpsfield and Oxted.

• Continue along the A25 towards Godstone until you come to the A25 / A22 roundabout.

• Take exit 3 from the A22 towards London to M25 Junction 6 “Godstone Junction”, exit 2 and rejoin the M25 towards Gatwick.

M26 diversion:

Road users wishing to use the M26 are advised to follow the diversion route below and then the diversion route above to turn off from J5 (hollow triangle) of the M25.

• Exit M26 at J2A and take the third exit towards M20 at J2.

• Continue via the M20 towards J1 and then join the M25 clockwise towards J3.

• To continue your planned journey, continue on the M25 towards J5.

What is the latest situation on M25?

07:35 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The M25 in Surrey/Kent remains closed clockwise between J5 near Sevenoaks and J6 near Godstone/Caterham following a serious lorry fire last night.

The counterclockwise carriageway has reopened, but two of four lanes remain closed within J6.

This also closed the M26 westbound road between J2A and M25/A21 near Wrotham Heath.

The clockwise M25 is likely to remain closed until at least midday so the wreckage of the lorry can be removed. The road will probably need to be repaved as well.

Serious delays on the Northern Line

07:27 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

TfL, through Bank, is warning of serious delays on the Northern Line between Kennington and Camden Town.

The delays only affect the northbound route and are due to the faulty train earlier.

There is a good service on the rest of the line and the rest of the TfL network.

Southeastern trains to and from Victoria and Blackfriars disrupted

07:06

Over-engineering work at London Victoria means Southeastern services to and from both Victoria and Blackfriars stations are disrupted this morning.

National Rail said services may be canceled or postponed, with disruption likely to last until around 10.30am during the morning rush hour.

Some trains on the following routes have been canceled due to trains remaining in depot in Victoria:

• London Blackfriars – Beckenham Junction

• London Victoria – Orpington

• London Victoria – Dover Priory / Ramsgate

Hours of delays due to Dartford Tunnel being partially closed all day

06:48 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

There are currently 60-minute delays affecting all approaches to the Dartford Tunnel.

The East Tunnel was closed overnight to allow maintenance work to take place, but a truck involved in the work apparently broke down and leaked hydraulic fluid into the tunnel.

National Highways says a “massive leak” means the tunnel now requires urgent resurfacing works.

It was just stated in X that “Due to the intensity of the work, the eastern tunnel will remain closed throughout the day.” “There are significant delays in all approaches.”

Dartford Tunnel closed

06:36 , Michael Howie

Dartford Tunnel is currently closed due to an issue caused by overnight maintenance work.

According to National Highways, an emergency replacement is required after a truck leaked hydraulic fluid onto the road.

M25 truck fire

06:31 , Michael Howie

The M25 was closed clockwise between Junction 5 and 6 after a lorry burst into flames at around 10pm last night.

After emergency services were dispatched to the scene, the highway was closed to traffic in both directions for several hours.

Two of the four anti-clockwise lanes have since reopened.

However, it is expected to remain closed clockwise until at least midday due to specialist rescue efforts and possible resurfacing.

Good morning

06:28 , Michael Howie

Welcome to this Monday morning’s round of travel news from the Standard.

We will keep you informed of all the important developments as the day progresses.