Major M3 Motorway Closure Toward London Following Serious Lorry Collision
Commuters and drivers are facing severe disruptions this morning as a significant stretch of the M3 motorway heading toward London remains completely closed following a serious collision involving two heavy goods vehicles. The incident, which occurred during the early hours of the morning, has resulted in a substantial oil spill and extensive debris across the carriageway.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Impact
National Highways has confirmed that the crash took place on the eastbound carriageway of the M3, specifically between junction J3 at Bagshot and J2 at the M25 interchange in Surrey. According to initial reports, one of the lorries involved struck a gantry, while the other vehicle suffered a rupture to its oil tank, leading to a hazardous spill across the roadway.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the road traffic collision at approximately 4:00 AM. A spokesperson stated, "We have four fire engines in attendance at the scene on the M3 between junction 3 (Lightwater) and Junction 2 (Thorpe) as you approach the M25. The eastbound carriageways are closed as a result."
Traffic Chaos and Extended Closure Warnings
The closure has triggered significant traffic buildup during the morning rush hour, with queues extending back through Farnborough and causing widespread delays for London-bound commuters. Authorities have issued strong warnings for drivers to avoid the M3 eastbound entirely until further notice.
The fire service emphasized that closures are expected to remain in place for an extended period due to the need for thorough cleanup of debris and the oil spill. They added, "This is causing significant delays and traffic – we are expecting closures to be in place for some time due to debris. Please avoid the M3 eastbound until further notice."
Safety Measures and Driver Conditions
Emergency services have confirmed that both drivers involved in the collision have been safely extracted from their vehicles and are receiving medical assessment from health partners. While the full extent of their injuries remains unclear, authorities have confirmed that neither driver sustained life-threatening conditions.
National Highways and local emergency services are coordinating efforts to clear the scene, address the environmental hazard posed by the oil spill, and restore normal traffic flow as safely and quickly as possible. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and allow extra travel time for their journeys into London.
