Parts of the M25 experienced significant traffic disruptions due to two serious accidents. One of the incidents prompted the landing of an air ambulance on the motorway. The anti-clockwise carriageway between junction 29 in Romford and junction 28 in Brentwood was temporarily closed following a crash and vehicle fire before 7 am, causing a standstill. Additionally, the clockwise direction between Waltham Cross at 25 and Waltham Abbey at 26 was shut down after a lorry incident around 8 am, with an air ambulance attending the scene.
National Highways reported the reopening of lanes 2 and 3 on the M25 clockwise between J25 and J26 near Holmesdale Tunnel, with lane 1 remaining closed for resurfacing. This led to a 9-mile congestion, resulting in 60-minute delays back to J23 in South Mimms. Subsequently, National Highways announced the reopening of lane 3 while lanes 1 and 2 stayed closed for resurfacing, causing over 60-minute delays due to a 6-mile congestion approaching the area.
Two men were injured in the lorry crash, as confirmed by the London Fire Brigade. The Brigade responded to a collision involving two lorries on the M25 between junctions 25 and 26, providing treatment to the injured men before transferring them to a hospital. The incident was handled by firefighters from Enfield and Edmonton fire stations, ending by 0942.
National Highways projected travel disruptions until 4.30 pm, with severe delays expected on the M25 clockwise between junctions J25 and J26 for an additional two-and-a-half hours. Commuters were advised of 6 miles of congestion leading back to junction 24 at Potters Bar. Although one lane reopened on the M25 clockwise after the lorry crash, recovery operations continued with lanes 1, 2, and 3 past the scene, and the entry slip road at J25 remaining closed.
The London Ambulance Service transported two individuals to the hospital, one as a priority, following a road traffic collision on the M25 near Waltham Cross. Despite lane reopenings, traffic remained heavy, with pictures showing a standstill after reduced speed limits were enforced. National Highways reported 90-minute delays following the second incident and established a diversion route for motorists.
A serious incident on the M25 clockwise between junctions 25 and 26 further compounded travel issues, necessitating the closure of the road for several hours. The ongoing delays and congestion were highlighted, warning drivers to expect significant delays during rush hour. Motorists were advised to plan for extra travel time or explore alternative routes to avoid the affected areas.