by Keyan Milanian

Two lanes of the M2 have re-opened following a fuel spillage which caused traffic mayhem this morning (Monday).

Lanes one and two of the London-bound carriageway were closed at junction three (Chatham) after 100s of litres of diesel from a tanker after a collision.

It is thought one of the vehicle's tyres burst.

A spokesman for Strood Fire Station said it looked like the driver lost control of the vehicle and it mounted the grass verge.

It then crashed through the barrier damaging the fuel tank.

Firefighters used an expanding anti-leak device to plud the hole in the tank.

The lorry was moved to the hard shoulder and has been removed from the scene.

Motorist Luke Hollands, from Gillingham, said: "It was terrible, the traffic was queued back miles past junction four. You could smell diesel wafting over the traffic. It must have been a very serious accident."

The third lane of the motorway was not closed.

Sand was laid on the road.

The Highways Agency will assess whether it needs resurfacing after the sand is removed.

At around 8.30am an agency spokesman said the road could be cleared in 90 minutes although it may take longer if the road needs resurfacing.

Kent Police were called at around 5.20am.

The scene was cleared just after 11.05am.

No-one was injured