Eight people were rushed to hospital on Friday afternoon after a coach caught fire on the M25 motorway in Surrey. The blaze broke out at around 4pm between Junction 9 (Leatherhead) and Junction 8 (Redhill), resulting in a full closure of the road and significant travel disruptions.
Thick black smoke and fierce flames engulfed the parked coach, prompting an immediate emergency response from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. Four fire engines and a water carrier were dispatched to bring the fire under control.
The incident caused severe traffic delays, with congestion extending up to 12 miles and lasting approximately 90 minutes during the busy rush hour period. One lane on the anticlockwise M25 remains closed as recovery and cleanup operations continue.
Emergency services including South East Coast Ambulance Service crews, police, and firefighters attended the scene. Eight individuals were assessed at the location before being transported to hospital for further medical checks. Surrey Fire and Rescue confirmed that all passengers on the coach were accounted for.
National Highways South East has advised motorists to avoid the area where possible while recovery work is underway. The fire occurred during an amber heat alert across Surrey and Greater London, with temperatures expected to rise above 30°C this weekend, increasing the risk of fire.
“Four fire engines and a water carrier attended the scene and all passengers have been accounted for,” said a spokesman for Surrey Fire and Rescue.
Originally published by UKNIP.
