THE M25 has been closed after a crash involving a lorry and an overturned tanker leading to “lengthy”;; delays.
Oil and diesel spilled out onto the motorway when the tanker tipped over this morning.
The M25 in Surrey is now closed anti-clockwise between J6 and J5 and drivers have been warned to prepare for severe delays or take alternative routes.
National Highways said: “The M25 in Surrey is closed anti-clockwise between J6 Godstone Interchange (East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Caterham, Godstone A22;Westerham (A25)) and J5 Chevening Interchange (Maidstone, Channel Tunnel, Dover M26 (M20); Sevenoaks, Hastings A21)
“This is due to a collision involving 2 lorries. 1 of the lorries (a tanker transporting waste) has overturned and ruptured.
“There is a spillage of oil, diesel and waste on the motorway.”;;
Emergency services rushed to the crash site and National Highways said the collision would require a “complex clean up.”;;
The road will likely need resurfacing due to the spillage and officers are in the process of closing the road fully.
The traffic agency continued: “Surrey Police, Surrey Fire & Rescue, South East Coast Ambulance Service and National Highways have units attending.
“Due to the spillage it is highly likely this closure will be protracted as an extensive and complex clean-up and recovery operation will be required.
“Following which the road is likely to need resurfacing before it can be re-opened.
“Traffic caught within the closure will be turned around to exit at J6.
This may take time as our Traffic Officers are currently in the process of implementing the full closure.
“Once this is done they will attend to road users caught within the closure and aid their release.”;;
Drivers have been warned that there is heavy congestion and diversions have been put in place.
