M25 delays after van fire on M3 near junction 2
Drivers face long queues as fire crews tackle blaze on London orbital motorway link
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Drivers on the M25 faced significant delays this morning after a van caught fire on the M3 near junction 2. The incident, reported at 07:45, caused heavy congestion on the clockwise carriageway of the London orbital motorway, with queues stretching back to junction 13.
National Highways confirmed the fire and warned motorists of delays. A spokesperson said, as reported by Your Local Guardian, that the incident was causing disruption for drivers heading towards the M25 from the M3. Fire crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to tackle the blaze.
M25 and key London motorways close overnight for roadworks
National Highways shuts sections of the M25, A282 Dartford Crossing, A1(M) and M3 between 29 and 30 July 2025
Impact on morning commuters
The fire occurred during the morning peak, affecting commuters travelling into London. National Highways advised drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and to check traffic updates before setting off. The extent of the damage to the van and the cause of the fire have not yet been disclosed.
By 09:00, delays were still being reported, though the fire had been extinguished. National Highways said it was working to clear the scene, but residual congestion was expected to persist for some time. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
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What happens next
National Highways will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the carriageway is cleared. Drivers are urged to follow @HighwaysSEAST on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time traffic information. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
Questions this report answers
+How long are the delays on the M25?
Delays stretched back to junction 13 on the M25 after a van fire on the M3 near junction 2. National Highways warned of heavy congestion, and delays were expected to persist until the scene was cleared.
+What caused the van fire on the M3?
The cause of the van fire on the M3 near junction 2 is unclear. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, but no details about the cause have been released.
+Were there any injuries in the M3 van fire?
No injuries were reported in connection with the van fire on the M3. Fire crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze, and the incident is now under investigation.
+How can drivers check for updates on M25 delays?
Drivers can follow @HighwaysSEAST on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time traffic updates. National Highways is providing live information as the situation develops.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.