A critical stretch of the M25 motorway, specifically between junctions six and seven near Godstone, was closed for an extended period following a serious collision involving a van and a lorry. The incident occurred during a red heat alert, leading to significant challenges for emergency services and motorists.
South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) confirmed that it responded to calls for assistance, with more than 10 individuals subsequently taken to hospital. These patients presented with a range of conditions, including minor injuries and illnesses directly linked to the extreme heat. One man, in his 30s and driving the van involved in the collision, was airlifted to hospital after sustaining a leg injury.
The closure resulted in severe and prolonged traffic congestion, with many drivers reporting being stranded for several hours. Concerns were widely shared on social media, with individuals, including Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan, appealing for urgent help and water supplies for those stuck in their vehicles. Reports emerged of people running out of water and suffering from dehydration in the intense heat, with some coaches also having passengers affected.
Surrey Police confirmed that the crash involved a white Mercedes Vito van and a white lorry. Following the collision, one of the vehicles required recovery, and a substantial oil spillage from the incident caused damage to the road surface. National Highways engineers have been tasked with assessing the damage to ensure the carriageway can be safely reopened to traffic.
The incident highlighted the challenges of managing such events during periods of extreme weather. While both lanes of the exit slip road at junction six have since reopened, the main carriageway remained closed for some time as assessments and repairs were carried out, leading to continued disruption for commuters and travellers.