A multi-vehicle crash on the M25 this morning caused major rush hour disruption after a lorry carrying hay bales caught fire. The incident occurred just before 5:30am on the anti-clockwise stretch between Junction 25 (Enfield, A10) and Junction 24 (Potters Bar, A111).
The hay bales on the lorry were quickly engulfed in flames, prompting an immediate response from four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from London Fire Brigade and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue. By 7:30am, the fire was mostly under control, although part of the lorry was still smouldering.
The motorway closure caused severe traffic congestion, with tailbacks extending up to seven miles and delays lasting as long as 90 minutes. National Highways confirmed that vehicles trapped within the closure zone are now being allowed to pass through the scene.
A diversion route is in place, but it presents challenges for larger vehicles due to a 4.7m (14.4ft) height restriction and the route passing through London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
National Highways issued an official statement: “The M25 anti-clockwise in Hertfordshire is closed between J25 Waltham Cross Interchange and J24 Potters Bar Interchange due to a lorry transporting hay which caught fire earlier. Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, East of England Ambulance Service and National Highways Traffic Officers are attending. Traffic within the closure is being released past the scene.”
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson added: “Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters have been tackling a lorry fire between J25 and J24. Crews have been working hard and a small part of the HGV remains alight. Please avoid the area if you can.”
Drivers are advised to follow the hollow square diversion signs, which direct traffic to:
- Exit the M25 at Junction 25 and take the A10 southbound
- Continue to the Great Cambridge Junction with the A406 North Circular
- Follow the A406 westbound to the junction with the A1
- Turn right onto the A1 northbound
- Rejoin the M25 at Junction 23
National Highways urges all drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time to navigate the disruption caused by this incident.
Originally published by UKNIP.
