M25 Traffic halted both ways after lorry crash brings down power cables
m25 traffic on the motorway has been shut in both directions between junction 28 for Brentwood and junction 27 for the M11 after a collision between two lorries that brought down an electricity pole and overhead cables, creating long delays and leaving engineers working at the scene.
M25 Traffic disrupted between J28 and J27
The motorway is closed in both directions between J28 (Brentwood) and J27 (M11) in Essex. Early updates at 11: 45 a. m. ET described the closure as anti-clockwise between those junctions; a later update at 1: 30 p. m. ET from National Highways East said the M25 was closed in both directions. Fire crews, Essex Police and UK Power Networks engineers are at the scene.
Power cables and pole brought down; 14 properties without power
The collision between two lorries took out an electricity pole and overhead cables, the power company said, and 14 properties were without power. UK Power Networks engineers are attending exposed wires while repairs are under way, and the road had been cleared of cables and repair work was taking place.
Diversions and detailed alternative route guidance
Drivers have been asked to avoid the area and find alternative routes, and Essex Police warned the closure could last for some time. A diversion to central London the A13 westbound is in place. For drivers travelling anti-clockwise, advice published included leaving the M25 at J28, taking the A12 northbound toward Chelmsford for about 12 miles, following the A414 westbound for roughly 15 miles to join the M11 southbound at J7 and then returning to the M25 at J27; clockwise drivers were advised to follow the same route in reverse.
Emergency response, safety instructions and headquarters contact details
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service crews are on scene following the road traffic collision and have asked drivers to remain in their vehicles while officers and engineers make the scene safe. The service thanked motorists for their patience while working with Essex Police and National Highways East. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters is at Kelvedon Park, Rivenhall, Witham, Essex CM8 3HB; it said do not report emergencies to its headquarters and to call 999 to report an emergency. The service also invited requests for fire reports or Freedom of Information requests.
Wider travel knock-on: rail lines affected and barrier damage
The crash caused extensive barrier damage at the scene and has produced long delays on the M25. Separately, Gatwick Express services faced disruption after a train struck an obstruction in the Salfords area; the line towards Purley was blocked, with trains to, from and through Gatwick possibly cancelled, delayed by up to 40 minutes or revised, and disruption expected to continue until around 12: 00. The Central Line was also experiencing minor delays because of train cancellations.
Fire officials and police warned drivers to plan alternative routes and avoid the affected stretch; engineers remain on site to make the scene safe and carry out repairs.
Recovery work and repairs are continuing and the incident response teams said the road may be closed for some time while they complete the safety work.
