Two lorry fires shut M25 in Essex as motorists face rush hour chaos

A massive plume of smoke rose over the M25 in Essex today as two separate lorry fires — triggered by a collision between two HGVs — forced the motorway to close and sent emergency services scrambling across three junctions. National Highways warned of long delays after the first fire erupted anti-clockwise between J28 and J27, caused by two heavy goods vehicles colliding, with one vehicle engulfed in flames. Just miles further along the same carriageway, a second lorry was also ablaze between J27 and J26, near Epping. Traffic cameras captured the vehicles consumed by fire, huge plumes of smoke and queues of stationary traffic. One of the lorries was carrying parcels, according to photos from the scene. Essex Police attended the initial incident, and National Highways traffic officers remained to manage traffic. Three lanes on the stretch between J26 and J27 stayed closed, with National Highways stating: "Lanes 1, 2 and 3 will remain closed on the #M25 anticlockwise between J27 #Epping & J26 #WalthamAbbey. Emergency resurfacing takes place this evening under a full closure from approximately 22:00." The usual diversion via Gallows Corner could not be used due to long-term roadworks there, so motorists heading anti-clockwise between J28 and J26 were directed to follow an alternative route. By late afternoon, the fire had been extinguished and contractors began removing the contents of the lorry. Delays of about 10 minutes with 1 mile of congestion were reported on the approach, but the full closure for resurfacing loomed, promising further disruption into the night.