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Police probing Tesco lorry fireball on M25 between J5 for Sevenoaks and J6 for Godstone

By: Brad Harper bharper@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 19:31, 25 October 2024

Police are investigating after a Tesco lorry exploded into a ball of flames.

Shocking dashcam footage caught the moment the truck crashed into a barrier while travelling along the M25 clockwise, between Junction 5 for Sevenoaks and Junction 6 near Godstone.

A huge fireball erupted from the lorry – spilling flames onto the carriageway as it veered into the central reservation before coming to a standstill.

The incident, which happened shortly after 10pm on Sunday, caused widespread disruption as emergency services worked to clear the wreckage.

When contacted for comment by KentOnline, Tesco said it was supporting the emergency services with their investigations into the incident involving one of its vehicles.

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A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “Our investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made.”

Surrey Fire and Rescue was also approached for further details about its investigation.

Anthony Moc was travelling along the M25 clockwise, between Junction 5 for Sevenoaks and Junction 6 near Godstone, when the Tesco lorry crashed into a barrier and burst into a fireball. Picture: Anthony Moc

Anthony Moc was travelling along the M25 when he captured the moment the truck exploded into a fireball.

“He smashed into the barrier and there was a big ball of fire,” the 29-year-old said.

“I was panicked and a bit scared.

“This was the first time I had seen any sort of accident while driving.

“I was worried the lorry was going to explode.”

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A Tesco HGV caught on fire on the M25 near Sevenoaks. Picture: National Highways

The blaze forced the closure of the M25 in both directions.

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Five fire engines and two water carriers were called to deal with the incident and crews were at the scene for 10 hours.

National Highways said the blaze caused major damage to the road surface and central reservation barrier.

Due to the intensity of the fire, the recovery of the vehicle had also been complicated as parts of it had disintegrated.

Mr Moc added: “It caught on fire really quickly and I was really surprised by that.

A Tesco HGV caught on fire on the M25 near Sevenoaks. Picture: National Highways

“There was a lot of fire.

“I am not used to it – I am used to my normal, boring drive.”

Another witness, who was also travelling behind the Tesco lorry, said the driver was “pulled to safety before it exploded”.

“We managed to hold all traffic back on both sides until the fire service arrived,” they said.

“It was so lucky no one else was involved.”

The driver sustained minor injuries, according to Surrey Police.

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