One person has been killed and a section of the M25 closed following a major accident involving multiple vehicles crashing through the central reservation. Three people were also taken to hospital following the accident at 1.50am, Essex Police said.
The crash, near Waltham Abbey, involved several vehicles, including Lorries. It is understood a number of vehicles crossed the central reservation barrier and ended up on the other side of the road. Several people were trapped in their cars.
The Highways Agency said the motorway is now closed between junctions 23 and 27 clockwise and anti clockwise between junctions 27 and 25. Some parts are expected to remain shut until 3pm.
It has led to long delays on the M25 and heavy traffic in the surrounding area. Chaotic scenes were reported during the morning rush hour. Matt Abbott, a chief reporter for various local newspapers in Essex, tweeted: “Some of the worst traffici’ve seen as M25 closure hashuge impact on roads in W Essex. Ongar gridlocked. I’m now at standstill in Brook St.”
“Nearly 3 hours on the m25 and not completed one junction!!! #essex stretch is a nightmare,” tweeted Mark Nash from Brentwood. Transport for London said traffic was particularly heavy on the A13, A127, A12, M11, A10 and the A406 North Circular Road as a result of the crash and the diversions put in place.
Inspector Dick Thomas, from Essex Police, said: “At this time we have one confirmed fatality and a number of people who are trapped in their vehicles.
“There is debris across both sides of the M25 and the motorway will be closed for the foreseeable future while we deal with this collision and begin our investigations to establish what has happened.
“If it is at all possible motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes. “Nothing will be moving around this portion of the M25 for some considerable time, and the morning rush-hour is likely to be affected.”
