Motorists across southeast England faced a day of travel turmoil on February 24, 2026, after a serious crash involving two lorries forced the complete closure of the M25 motorway between Junction 28 (Brentwood) and Junction 27 (M11). The incident, which unfolded late in the morning, triggered a cascade of disruptions: extensive barrier damage, a downed power line, and power outages for local homes, with emergency services and engineers scrambling to restore safety and order to one of the country’s busiest roads.
The collision occurred on the anti-clockwise carriageway at approximately 11:21 am, according to EssexLive. One of the lorries involved veered off and came to rest on the nearside embankment, leaving a trail of destruction. Images published by Express show the windscreen of one lorry smashed and the vehicle lodged at an awkward angle off the main carriageway. As a direct result of the crash, overhead power cables were brought down onto the motorway, posing an immediate hazard and rendering the stretch impassable in both directions.
National Highways quickly confirmed the scale of the emergency. In a statement shared by Metro, a spokesperson said: “The M25 is now closed in both directions between J28 (Brentwood) and J27 (M11). The collision, which occurred anti-clockwise, has taken out a power line and requires immediate attendance by engineers across both carriageways to make safe. We will keep you updated.”
Within minutes of the incident, traffic cameras captured the full extent of the chaos. Vehicles were brought to a standstill, with severe delays rapidly building. According to Express, delays of up to 70 minutes were reported on the M25 anticlockwise between J28 and J27, with additional knock-on effects spilling onto the M11 in both directions. The AA reported congestion extending as far as Junction 29, as drivers slowed to look at the scene and diversion routes became clogged.
Emergency services responded in force. Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue, and National Highways traffic officers all converged on the site. Fire crews worked alongside engineers from UK Power Networks, who arrived by 11:25 am to attend to the exposed wires and begin the painstaking process of making the area safe. A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, quoted by EssexLive, urged: “Drivers are asked to remain in their vehicles while we deal with the incident. Essex Police are also asking motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes – the road may be closed for some time. We thank all motorists for their patience while we work with our colleagues Essex Police and National Highways East as we continue to work to make the scene safe.”
The impact of the crash was not limited to the motorway itself. Fourteen properties in Brentwood were left without power after the lorry crash brought down an electricity pole and overhead cables. A spokesperson for UK Power Networks, speaking to Express, explained: “A lorry crash brought down an electricity pole and overhead cables onto the M25 near junction 28, at about 11am today. Our engineers were on site by 11.25am and the road is now clear of the cables. Repair work continues and power will be restored to the 14 nearby properties affected, as quickly as is safely possible.”
With the motorway closed in both directions, National Highways and local authorities scrambled to implement diversion routes. However, the usual signposted route via Gallows Corner was itself subject to a local closure, forcing traffic onto a longer detour: drivers heading anti-clockwise were instructed to exit the M25 at J28 onto the A12 northbound, continue towards Chelmsford, then join the A414 westbound to the M11 southbound at J7 before rejoining the M25 at J27. The reverse was recommended for clockwise travelers. National Highways repeatedly advised motorists to “allow extra journey time,” “plan ahead,” and even “delay your journey” if possible, as reported by Express and EssexLive.
Despite these efforts, many drivers found themselves trapped within the closure, unable to turn around and forced to wait as emergency crews worked to secure the scene. Live images and updates from the scene showed traffic at a complete standstill, with frustration mounting as the hours ticked by. According to Express, at one point, all four lanes in both directions remained closed. National Highways traffic officers coordinated with police to eventually release vehicles caught within the closure once it was deemed safe.
The disruption extended beyond just inconvenience. For local residents and businesses, the power outage added another layer of complexity. While UK Power Networks worked as swiftly as safety allowed to restore electricity, the downed cables and ongoing repairs meant that affected properties faced an uncertain wait. The incident also highlighted the vulnerability of key infrastructure when unexpected events occur on major transport arteries.
Throughout the day, updates flowed from official channels and local news outlets. National Highways, Essex Police, and fire services used social media and live blogs to keep the public informed, emphasizing safety and patience. As Metro relayed, Essex Fire and Rescue’s spokesperson thanked motorists for their cooperation and reiterated the importance of remaining in vehicles until the scene was declared safe.
The closure was expected to last until at least 22:00 to 22:15 on February 24, 2026, as per National Highways’ estimates. Engineers needed time not only to clear debris and repair the damaged barrier but also to ensure the power line was fully secured before traffic could resume. The knock-on effects—delays, diversions, and power outages—served as a stark reminder of how a single incident can ripple through an entire region, affecting thousands of people’s plans and routines.
For many, the events of February 24, 2026, will be remembered as a day when the M25, often dubbed the “London Orbital,” ground to a halt—underscoring both the fragility and the resilience of the systems that keep the country moving. As repairs continue and normality slowly returns, the coordinated response of emergency services, engineers, and support staff stands as a testament to the importance of preparation, communication, and public cooperation in the face of sudden disruption.