Lorries crash on M25 near Dartford tunnels
15:50, 14 September 2017
The M25 was briefly closed in both directions following a crash involving five vehicles that saw a Mini burst into flames.
It happened at around 3.40pm on the anti-clockwise carriageway between junctions 1B and 1A, the last two before vehicles reach the Dartford tunnels.
Firefighters said the Mini was partially wedged under a lorry carrying barrels.
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Crews also gave first aid to two men until the arrival paramedics arrived.
Highways England confirmed traffic was halted in both directions while emergency crews dealt with a fire at the scene.
All lanes reopened at 5.40pm, but authorities said queues of around 10 miles had built up as a result of the earlier closure.
It has also had a knock-on effect on the A2 in both directions on the approaches to the M25 junction as a result.
Queues were initially said to be stretching past junction 3 for Swanley, while clockwise traffic was queuing back into Essex.
Some motorists said they had been stuck in traffic for three hours.
Police confirmed they dealt 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."
Four fire engines were sent to the scene, including crews from Dartford and Strood.
KCC Highways said the following routes were also suffering delays:
- A206 Bob Dunn Way and A206 Crossways Boulevard towards M25 Junction 1a.
- Princes Road in both directions towards M25 J1b.
- A2 in both directions towards M25 Junction 2.
- A226 London Road heading westbound between Greenhithe and Stone.
Traffic was said to have eventually cleared at around 9pm.
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