Drivers told to avoid M25 after fire breaks out on coach

Motorists face long delays on the M25 after a coach was engulfed in flames on the UK’s busiest motorway.

Traffic has been held on the M25 in Surrey anticlockwise between junctions J9 and J8 after a coach caught on fire with passengers on board today.

All passengers managed to get out of the coach safely.

Footage shows thick black smoke billowing from the vehicle, with traffic passing just some feet from it.

National Highways said there are 12 miles of congestion, causing 90-minute delays in the area.

The incident is ongoing and the emergency services are at the scene.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘We are dealing with a coach fire on the M25, junction 9 to 8, Leatherhead.

‘We currently have four fire engines and a water carrier at the scene, and there’s lots of smoke in the area.

‘Highways, police and ambulance services are also in attendance.

‘Everyone is accounted for. The stretch of road from junctions 9 to 8, anticlockwise, is currently closed while we deal with the incident. Please avoid the area where possible.’

The latest National Highways alert said there are two-hour delays on approach to the scene.

The incident happened during peak rush hour, while temperatures in the area reached almost 30C, with long traffic delays now building in both directions.

Surrey, Greater London and the South East of England are also under an amber heat health alert as another scorching heatwave has arrived.

The dry, hot conditions can also increase the wildfire risk.

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