A serious crash involving a waste tanker has caused major closures on the M25 motorway in the UK. Here's everything you need to know about the accident, delays, and environmental concerns.


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Surrey, UK – May 14, 2025 – A serious accident involving two lorries has caused major traffic disruption on one of the UK’s busiest motorways, the M25. The crash occurred early Wednesday morning between Junctions 6 (Godstone Interchange) and 5 (Chevening Interchange), when a waste tanker overturned and ruptured, spilling hazardous materials across the carriageway.

What Happened?

The collision involved two heavy goods vehicles—one of them a waste tanker carrying oil and diesel. The tanker flipped over on the anti-clockwise carriageway and suffered significant structural damage, resulting in the spillage of large quantities of waste, including industrial fluids and diesel, across all lanes.

Emergency services, including Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue, and South East Coast Ambulance Service, arrived promptly on the scene. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, though one driver was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Road Closures and Traffic Chaos

The M25—often called “Britain’s Busiest Motorway”—remains partially closed between Junctions 6 and 5 as emergency crews continue extensive cleanup and resurfacing efforts. Authorities say the closure will likely last into the evening rush hour, with possible overnight work required to restore safe driving conditions.

National Highways officials described the incident as “severe and highly complex”, due to the toxic nature of the waste materials and the risk of environmental damage.

Diversions and Delays

  • All traffic is being diverted via A22 and A25, leading to severe congestion in surrounding towns.

  • Commuters heading to Gatwick Airport, Heathrow, the Eurotunnel, or Port of Dover are advised to plan alternate routes and allow significant extra travel time.

Motorists stuck behind the crash site were turned around by police, but delays of over 90 minutes have been reported throughout the region.

Environmental Concerns

Specialist hazmat teams are working with environmental agencies to contain and assess the impact of the chemical spill. The spillage includes diesel and unknown liquid waste, raising concerns about soil and water contamination in the area.

Official Statements

“This is a major incident requiring multi-agency response. Our teams are working tirelessly to clear the road and ensure environmental safety before reopening the carriageway,” a National Highways spokesperson stated.

📌 Key Takeaways:

  • Two-lorry crash shuts down major section of M25 in Surrey.

  • Waste tanker overturned and spilled hazardous materials.

  • Long traffic delays, diversions in place, and resurfacing underway.

  • Cleanup and reopening likely to take hours, possibly longer.

FAQ

A waste tanker overturned in a collision with another lorry, spilling hazardous materials and causing major road closures.

The M25 is closed anti-clockwise between Junction 6 (Godstone) and Junction 5 (Chevening).

Authorities expect the closure to continue through the evening, with possible overnight repairs required.

One person sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. No fatalities were reported.

The tanker was carrying waste materials, including diesel and other industrial fluids.

Yes, traffic is being diverted via the A22 and A25 routes.

Yes. Travelers heading to Gatwick, Heathrow, the Eurotunnel, and Dover are advised to use alternate routes.

Yes, hazmat teams are on-site managing potential soil and water contamination.

Surrey Police, Surrey Fire & Rescue, South East Coast Ambulance, and National Highways are all involved.

Visit the National Highways website or check local news for live traffic updates.

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