A section of the M25 motorway in Essex near the Dartford Crossing has been closed after a lorry burst into flames.
National Highways said it was forced to shut the road in both directions between Junction 29 for Romford and Junction 30 for the crossing after a HGV âfully laden with car tyresâ caught fire.
A diversion route has been created, with delays of at least one hour in the anti-clockwise direction.
An image of the scene posted on social media shows flames and a large amount of smoke billowing into the air.
Firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are tackling the blaze near the Thames crossing that connects Kent and Essex.
It said the tyres being carried by the lorry are âalightâ and âproducing large amounts of smokeâ.
Plans are being put in place to allow vehicles caught within the closure to move away.
National Highways said: âDue to the nature of the fire, it is still anticipated that the road will remain closed throughout the day, with resurfacing likely to be required.â
The Dartford Crossing consists of a bridge and two tunnels connecting Thurrock in Essex with Dartford.
Up to 180,000 vehicles use the crossing on the busiest days.
