Dartford Tunnel fire causes ten mile tail backs on M25 with rush hour commuters set for miserable dr

Publish date: 2022-10-13

A FIVE vehicle crash on the M25 saw a Mini burst into flames - causing rush hour travel chaos as the motorway was closed in both directions.

The flaming Mini became partially wedged under a lorry ahead of the entrance to the Dartford Crossing - with traffic queuing for ten miles.

The crash happened on he anti-clockwise carriageway between junctions 1B and 1A - the last two before vehicles reach the Dartford tunnels.

Drivers faced delays of an hour as emergency services work at the scene.

Highways England has urged motorists to try and find alternative routes.

Police confirmed they were dealing with a "multi-vehicle" crash.

A spokesman said: "Officers are currently at the scene and lane closures are in place.

"The Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the South East Coast Ambulance Service have also been called."

Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Firefighters remain at the scene of a crash on the approach road to Dartford Tunnel. Three fire engines from Kent and one from London Fire Brigade were initially sent but two appliances from Kent remain at the scene.

"When fire crews arrived they were confronted with a five vehicle crash, one of which was a mini that had caught alight and was partially wedged under a dray lorry carrying barrels.

"Both carriageways of the road were initially closed to enable firefighters to deal with the incident. This involved using three hose reels and a water shuttle to put out the fire and to keep the barrels cool and prevent them from exploding. Thermal imaging cameras were also used to check the temperature of the barrels.

"Firefighters worked hard to make the scene safe and administered first aid to two men until the arrival of the ambulance service. Duty of care has now been handed to South East Coast Ambulance Service and the Highways Agency."

It is not clear if anyone has been injured.

A Mini could be seen in dramatic photos of the aftermath but it isn't known how it was involved.

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