A coach incident on Monday morning resulted in a significant disruption for commuters on the M25 London orbital motorway.
The incident involved a coach catching fire, which led to the closure of three lanes and caused substantial delays for motorists.
The National Highways agency reported delays of up to 94 minutes and an eight-mile congestion as emergency services worked to clear the road.
Unexpected Scene on the Morning Commute
John Richards, a 47-year-old landscape gardener from Sutton, south London, captured footage of the burning coach while he was on his way to work.
The video showed flames billowing from the back of the coach, with thick smoke emanating from two open doors.
The sight of the coach on fire along the motorway was unexpected for Mr. Richards and the group of onlookers who had gathered near the scene.
Prompt Response and Delays
Authorities indicated that the coach fire ignited at approximately 7.50am between junctions seven and eight in Surrey.
This led to the closure of lanes one, two, and three on the anti-clockwise carriageway.
The initial delays were substantial, with some vehicles experiencing delays of more than 90 minutes.
However, these delays were quickly mitigated, reducing to 30 minutes or less with congestion spanning less than five miles.
Emergency Services on the Scene
Surrey Fire & Rescue Service promptly responded to the incident with three pumps, a water carrier, and a Unimog vehicle dispatched to the scene.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
As the morning progressed, the lanes were gradually reopened to traffic.
By just after 1pm, the fire service confirmed that all lanes had been fully reopened, although a one-mile congestion persisted.
Patience Urged Amidst Disruption
National Highways advised motorists to remain patient and allow time for the remaining delays to disperse as traffic conditions gradually returned to normal.
The unexpected coach fire incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of commuting and the importance of emergency response teams in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals on the road.
World News