M25 closed in both directions after major fire sparks risk of secondary explosion

A large fire is ripping through an industrial estate in north London next to the M25, causing a risk of explosion on the motorway.

The blaze struck along the M25 this morning in the industrial park, which is home to several businesses ranging from film studios to padel courts and logistics firms.

It has forced the UK’s busiest motorway to close in both directions after the ‘significant’ fire.

National Highways warned it could cause a risk of ‘secondary explosion’ on the M25, with a stretch of the road shut between junctions J22 and J21A.

It said: ‘The M25 is closed in both directions between J22 (St Albans) and J21A due to a significant fire at a commercial premises close to the motorway.

‘Full closures are now in place in both directions. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have 15 fire appliances at the scene tackling the blaze.

‘Due to the risk of secondary explosions, along with smoke and debris affecting the carriageway, the motorway remains closed as a precaution.

‘The incident is also close to the railway line, and Network Rail have a representative on site liaising with the fire service.’

Drivers in the area face delays of around 60 minutes in both directions on approach to the closures and motorists should consider using other routes, National Highways said.

The incident in Ventura Park on Colney Street, St Albans, just within the M25, often considered the border for Greater London.

People in the area are urged to keep their windows and doors closed, and to avoid the area.

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.’

Staff at a nearby activities centre said they were aware of the fire on the industrial site but they were not affected.

He told Metro: ‘Trains are still running because it is blowing to the other direction. The motorway is also shut.’

Residents 10 miles east in Potters Bar along the M25 said they could see the smoke.

A construction worker on the other side of the motorway said: ‘Watching it now from the construction site on the other side of the M25. ALP and other pumps on scene.’

Patients visiting the Kingsley Green hospital two miles from the fire were told to prepare for delays due to the road closure, according to the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Trust.

The incident is adding to the chaos on the M25 after an earlier crash on the anticlockwise carriageway near the junction of A1(M).

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