Two lorry fires cause major disruptions on M25 and M20

Summarised from 3 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 6 Nov, 13:30 · Archive

A scaffolding truck fire closed the M25 anticlockwise between Leatherhead and Reigate, while a cardboard lorry fire shut the M20 westbound in Kent, causing severe congestion on both motorways.

Two separate lorry fires caused major disruptions on motorways near London on different dates in November. On 4 November, a scaffolding truck caught fire on the M25 anticlockwise carriageway between junctions nine and eight, near Leatherhead and Reigate. The fire was reported at approximately 7.30am and blocked the motorway for almost two hours. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service responded with three fire engines and two water carriers. The service confirmed that oil and fuel had spilled onto the carriageway, requiring a clean-up operation. No patients were treated, according to South East Coast Ambulance Service.

The M25 incident caused severe congestion stretching back to Cobham Services, three miles before junction nine. At its worst, congestion stretched for six miles with delays of up to 48 minutes on the approach. Additional delays of a couple of miles were caused by onlookers on the opposite carriageway, and queues built on the A243 to and from Chessington.

On 6 November, a separate incident occurred on the M20 westbound in Kent. A lorry carrying cardboard caught fire shortly before 6am between junctions three and one. The decision was made to close the carriageway due to the risk of the cardboard load reigniting. Kent Fire and Rescue remained on scene dampening down the load.

The M20 fire caused severe congestion with traffic backed up to Junction 5 at Aylesford. Long queues also formed on the A20 past Brands Hatch and the A2 past Gravesend. Traffic was released from the rear of the queue and began passing the scene from 8.20am. A diversion was put in place via the M26, though this was reduced to one lane to manage traffic flow from the back of the queues. Motorists were advised to follow local diversion routes and allow extra time for their journeys.

How it is being reported

• M20 shut after lorry carrying cardboard catches fire causing MAJOR delaysA lorry fire on the M20 has caused major delays.News Shopper · 6 Nov, 08:37
• M20 shut after lorry carrying cardboard catches fire causing MAJOR delaysA lorry fire on the M20 has caused major delays.This Is Local London · 6 Nov, 08:37
• LIVE updates as lorry fire SHUTS M20 towards London causing long delaysThe M20 London-bound is closed in Kent due to a lorry fire.News Shopper · 6 Nov, 07:11
• LIVE updates as lorry fire SHUTS M20 towards London causing long delaysThe M20 London-bound is closed in Kent due to a lorry fire.This Is Local London · 6 Nov, 07:11
• M25 blocked for almost two hours after scaffolding truck bursts into FLAMESA scaffolding truck fire caused major delays on the M25.Croydon Guardian · 4 Nov, 10:24
• M25 blocked for almost two hours after scaffolding truck bursts into FLAMESA scaffolding truck fire caused major delays on the M25.This Is Local London · 4 Nov, 10:24
• Van fire BLOCKS M25 as drivers face six miles of queues and major delaysThe M25 was blocked following a van fire.This Is Local London · 4 Nov, 09:26
• Van fire BLOCKS M25 as drivers face six miles of queues and major delaysThe M25 was blocked following a van fire.Croydon Guardian · 4 Nov, 09:26

In this story: M25 · M20 · Leatherhead · Reigate · Kent · Surrey Fire and Rescue Service · Kent Fire and Rescue · South East Coast Ambulance Service

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log