Drivers on the M25 near Godstone, Surrey, experienced severe delays this morning following a serious collision during the UK’s intense heatwave. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, are currently at the scene, resulting in a motorway shutdown clockwise from junction 6.
The prolonged closure has caused gridlock extending onto the M26 towards Kent. Due to the standstill traffic and soaring temperatures nearing 30°C, some frustrated motorists abandoned their vehicles, stepping onto the hot carriageway despite warnings from emergency crews. Several drivers took their dogs for walks along the motorway, while others used emergency verges typically reserved for first responders.
National Highways confirmed major delays, reporting traffic held at junction 6 Godstone with delays exceeding one hour and queues stretching six miles. The motorway remains blocked in both directions as emergency teams work to clear the scene, intensifying disruption on one of the UK’s busiest roads during the extreme red heat alert.
One trapped driver described missing a flight for the first time in fifty years due to the “horrific” crash and resulting delays. Other road users have urged motorists to avoid the area until clearance operations are complete.
Police and paramedics continue their response south of Caterham, with a tent observed erected on the roadside. The emergency teams are focused on managing the incident and ensuring driver safety amid the ongoing heatwave chaos.
Originally published by UKNIP.
