Statement from Fire Service
Firefighters were called to reports of a vehicle fire on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge this afternoon.
Crews reported on arrival that one vehicle was completely alight on the southbound carriageway.
Two lanes were closed to ensure the safety of other motorists while crews tackled the fire.
Firefighters extinguished the fire completely by 1.47pm, before using a thermal imaging camera to ensure there were no remaining hotspots in the vehicle or surrounding area.
The vehicle has been destroyed. The fire was caused by an engine fault.
1805 hrs
Now re-opened after a police incident but long delays remain.
1800 hrs
Dartford Crossing is now at a standstill.
1700 hrs
Location : The M25 anticlockwise exit slip at junction J1B . Reason : Congestion. Status : Currently Active. Return To Normal : Normal traffic conditions are expected between 16:00 and 16:15 on 31 July 2018. Delay : There are currently delays of 10 minutes against expected traffic.
Location : The M25 clockwise between junctions J29 and J30 . Reason : Congestion. Status : Currently Active. Return To Normal : Normal traffic conditions are expected between 16:00 and 16:15 on 31 July 2018. Delay : There are currently delays of 20 minutes against expected traffic. Earlier Reason : Caused by the earlier vehicle fire.
Location : The M25 anticlockwise entry slip at junction J1A . Reason : Congestion. Status : Currently Active. Return To Normal : Normal traffic conditions are expected between 16:00 and 16:15 on 31 July 2018. Delay : There are currently delays of 10 minutes against expected traffic.
Location : The M25 clockwise between junctions J31 and J1A . Reason : Vehicle fire. Status : Cleared.
1500 hrs
There are severe delays on the M25 clockwise between Junction 29 and the Dartford Crossing due to a vehicle fire on the QEII Bridge.
2 Lanes are closed on the bridge causing delays of over 2 hours with traffic slow moving back to the M25 J29.
Road users in the area are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to consider alternative routes if possible
1445 hrs
Update: Long delays M25 Clockwise following a caravan fire on QE2 Bridge, two lanes remain blocked.
Q’s to J29 Romford now.
Traffic is queuing around Purfleet & Thurrock and slow on M25 anticlockwise at Dartford Tunnel.
1345 hrs
DARTFORD update: Vehicle on fire on the QE2 Bridge is said to be a motorhome.
Firefighters on scene.
Delays on the M25 clockwise approaching the crossing.
