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Motorway van fire leads to warnings of delays

Tanya GuptaSouth East
Supplied Traffic passes a vehicle fire on a dual carriageway. Bright orange flames and thick black smoke are coming from a vehicle in the left-hand carriageway, where several maintenance and recovery vehicles are stopped with warning chevrons visible. The road surface appears wet and visibility is reduced by smoke. Traffic continues in the opposite carriageway, with headlights reflecting off the road.Supplied
National Highways said smoke had drifted across the motorway

Drivers have been warned to expect delays after diversions were put in place following a van fire on the M26 in Kent, near the M25 junction.

National Highways South East said the westbound M26 carriageway was closed because of the blaze, between junction 3 for the M20 and junction 2A for Tonbridge, the M25 and the A21, just before 08:00 BST.

One eastbound lane was closed because of smoke crossing the carriageway and firefighters were sent to the scene, officials said on social media.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said they were called to reports of a van on fire and crews in two fire engines put out the flames with a hose reel jet.

KFRS said that crews wearing breathing apparatus dealt with the fire on the London-bound carriageway.

The fire service said no-one was reported injured and people were advised to check for travel updates before heading towards the area.

National Highways said officers were on the scene to help with traffic management.

Motorists heading towards the M25 were advised to avoid the area by continuing on the M20 to join the M25 at Junction 3.

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