Dartford Crossing queues as vehicle on fire at QEII bridge bringing M25 into Kent from Essex to standstill
15:35, 04 August 2021
updated: 11:21, 05 August 2021
A vehicle fire at the Dartford Crossing has brought traffic to a standstill.
Traffic is being held entering Kent due to a severe van fire on the bridge which was reported at about 3pm leading to eight-mile queues.
The clockwise carriageway between J31 and J1a across the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge was blocked.
Two lanes have since reopened, but lanes one and two remain closed because of emergency repairs to the road surface.
Highways England says emergency services are attending the scene but long tailbacks are already building on both sides of the crossing.
Queues are backing up beyond Thurrock towards J29 for the A127 in Essex and drivers are being warned to expect delays of up to 90 minutes.
Highways England said the fire has been brought under control but due to the extent of the fire it may have caused damage to the road surface.
A spokesman confirmed there had been no damage caused to the bridge itself by the fire and the road was resurfaced overnight on Wednesday with it fully reopened at 5.05am.
A fire service spokesman said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a vehicle fire on the Dartford Crossing at 3.02pm. Two fire engines were sent to the scene, and the vehicle was well alight on arrival. Crews extinguished the fire using a hose reel jet."
The fire was extinguished at 3.37pm.
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