In the early hours of Tuesday, a harrowing collision on the clockwise carriageway of the M25 near Godstone left commuters stranded and emergency services scrambling.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 03:10 BST, involved a Volkswagen Golf, a Mercedes sedan, and a Mercedes articulated lorry, resulting in significant disruptions to traffic flow and leaving one driver with a broken leg.
According to reports from National Highways, the crash unfolded between junction five for the A21 and junction six at Godstone. The severity of the collision prompted the closure of all three lanes, effectively halting traffic for several hours.
Despite the tireless efforts of emergency responders, it wasn’t until approximately 07:30 BST that all lanes were finally reopened, allowing traffic to resume its course.
In the aftermath of the incident, the repercussions extended beyond the immediate vicinity of the crash site. The M26 westbound, connecting junction two for the A20 to the junction with the M25, was also forced to close, causing further disruptions to the already strained network of roadways.
However, thanks to the diligent work of road crews, the M26 reopened at 08:30 BST, alleviating some of the congestion. As diverted traffic flooded onto alternative routes, the domino effect of the crash became increasingly apparent.
Traffic data firm Inrix reported extensive queues stretching up to three miles on the M20 as vehicles sought alternative paths due to the closure of the M26.
For commuters attempting to navigate through the chaos, the situation proved to be nothing short of frustrating. Traffic diversions via the A21, A22, and A25 were put in place by authorities, but the resulting delays were palpable.
Approaching the scene on the clockwise carriageway of the M25, motorists encountered delays of up to an hour, with congestion stretching back to junction two for Dartford.
An unsettling detail emerged regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision. At the time of the incident, lanes one to three were closed for roadworks, leaving only the single lane, lane four, open to traffic.
It was within this constrained space that the collision unfolded, raising questions about the safety protocols in place and the adequacy of traffic management measures.
The aftermath of the crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our roadways and the potential consequences of even a momentary lapse in attention.
As commuters slowly resume their journeys and emergency services work to clear the debris, the incident stands as a sobering testament to the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety regulations on our highways.
In the wake of this unsettling event, authorities urge motorists to exercise caution, remain attentive behind the wheel, and prioritize safety above all else.
As the investigation into the crash continues, efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future remain paramount, ensuring that tragedies such as this one are not repeated on our roads.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
