Photo shows cooling taking place at the scene
Firefighters have got the lorry fire under control and are now cooling the scene before repair works take place.
The M25 motorway anti-clockwise remains closed between Junction 30 (Lakeside/Purfleet) and Junction 29 (Romford/Basildon) following the vehicle fire that began just before 1:00 PM. The lorry was fully laden with car tyres, creating a particularly challenging blaze for Essex Fire and Rescue services who are continuing damping down operations at the scene.
The closure has created extensive traffic disruption with severe congestion backing up all the way to Junction 3 (M20 Swanley interchange) and through the Dartford tunnels.
The ripple effects are being felt across the wider road network, with the A13 experiencing heavy traffic on approach to the M25 There are also significant delays through Lakeside and Dartford, and congestion on local roads throughout East London as drivers seek alternative routes.
While all trapped traffic has now been released from the closure area, the road is expected to remain shut throughout the day due to the nature of the fire and the likely need for road resurfacing. The clockwise carriageway has partially reopened but still has lanes 3 and 4 closed.
Motorists are experiencing delays of at least 60 minutes and are advised to follow the official diversion route via the A13, A128, and A127, or avoid the area entirely if possible.
