M25 fire: Motorway closed after van engulfed by fireball between J5 and J6 - drivers warned of long delays
A van caught fire on the M25 between junction 5 and junction 6
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
A fire has broken out on the M25 motorway after a van caught alight between Junction 5 and 6.
Flames engulfed the vehicle after it caught alight on the busy motorway during this morning's rush hour.
Thick plumes of black smoke could also be seen billowing up into the air.
The motorway was shut by National Highways while the fire service put out the flames.
Crews are on the scene repairing the road
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Two lanes remain closed due to the burnt out shell of the vehicle on the road.
They will remain shut for the rest of the morning while resurfacing of the road takes place.
A National Highways spokesperson said earlier: "Traffic has temporarily stopped on the M25 clockwise between J5 and J6 due to a vehicle fire.
"Traffic remains blocked and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service remains working on the scene."
Delays reached up to 90 minutes for drivers on the clockwise carriage of the road.
Tailbacks of up to seven miles were caused by the disruption.
The M26 was also impacted by the fire, with up to 30 minute delays.
A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Two fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames using hose reel jets and compressed air foam.”