M25 latest LIVE: Warehouse fire shuts motorway in both directions amid fears of 'explosions'
A huge fire closed a stretched of the M25 in both directions amid fears of “secondary explosions”.
Motorists were halted between J22 (St Albans) and J21A due to the “significant” fire close to the motorway, according to National Highways.
It warned: "Due to the risk of secondary explosions, smoke and debris affecting the carriageway, the motorway has been closed in both directions as a precaution."
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are currently responding to an incident in Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, St Albans.
"If you live locally, we advise to keep doors and windows closed and please avoid the area while emergency crews carry out their work."
In an update early on Tuesday afternoon, National Highways said the motorway had reopened on the advice of firefighters, although motorists still faced long delays.
Follow the latest updates below...
Live updates
Smoke now clearing over the M25
Live camera footage shows that smoke above the M25 is now beginning to clear as crews continue to tackle the fire.
Images show smoke rising above Thameslink railway
Images taken earlier today show smoke rising above the platform at Radlett Station on the Thameslink.
Plumes of grey smoke can be seen rising into the air over the top of railway lines.
The service is not expected to have been disrupted.
Congestion continues near Colney Street on M25
Traffic near the industrial estate is still clearing as the M25 reopens.
Google Traffic is reporting slow traffic on the approach to the industrial estate on the M25 and also along Radlett Road and Watling Streetm just off the motorway.
Second M25 closure due to fire in 48 hours
Just yesterday, the M25 was forced to close after a HGV caught fire in Kent on Monday afternoon.
The motorway was forced to shut anti-clockwise between Junction 6 and 5 while crews tackled the blaze.
Today’s fire saw a section of the M25 close between Junctions 22 and 21A due to a fire on a nearby industrial estate.
Crews are still tackling to get the blaze under control, though the M25 has now slowly reopened.
15 appliances still tackling blaze
Some 15 appliances from the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are still on scene tackling the blaze, though the M25 has now reopened.
It is understood that businesses in the area have been evacuated, while residents have been advised to keep windows closed.
Earlier footage shows extent of huge blaze
Footage captured earlier today shows the extent of the huge blaze at Ventura Park.
Big plumes of dark grey smoke rise above the industrial estate, forming thick clouds over the motorway.
Delays of around 40 minutes
Delays of around 40 minutes are expected in both directions as a result of the fire.
National Highways is working to reopen the M25 gradually, but have warned that it may take time for congestion to clear.
Speed restrictions of 40mph apply.
Where is the fire?
The fire is located at Ventura Industrial Park in St Albans. There are an estimated 15 units at the park, with tenants including Forward Trucking, Hitachi, DPD, Malibu, and Franke Coffee Systems.
It is not clear at this stage which units were affected.
The industrial estate is located between Junctions 21 and 22, and just 3 miles from the M1 (Junction 6A).
It is also two miles from Radlett Station on the Thameslink. National Rail is not reporting any disruption to the service.
One person taken to hospital, two treated on the scene
The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that one person was transported to Watford General Hospital for treatment.
“A further two were assessed and discharged on scene”, the service confirmed.
A total of three ambulances, three ambulance office vehicles, a Hazardous Area Response Team, and two air ambulances were dispatched to the warehouse fire today.
The M25 is now in the process of reopening in both directions, a National Highways spokesperson has confirmed.
