A tragic three-vehicle collision on the M25 near Epping on December 16 resulted in the death of a 68-year-old man, prompting extensive traffic disruptions and road closures. The accident occurred on the anti-clockwise carriageway between junctions 27 and 28, leading emergency services to respond swiftly to the incident, which was reported at around 11:00 GMT.
Essex Police indicated the severity of the crash, stating, "Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 68-year-old man died at the scene". Two other individuals involved were transported to the hospital for treatment, underscoring the serious nature of the incident.
Consequently, the M25 was closed in both directions to facilitate emergency operations, leading to significant traffic congestion. At one point, the average speed of vehicles fell to approximately five mph, with some motorists facing delays exceeding 70 minutes. The intense disruption was compounded by the fact it occurred during peak rush hour, leaving many commuters stranded.
A spokesperson for Essex Police highlighted the extensive nature of the traffic issues: "There is significant disruption in the area and we are expecting this to continue for several hours with possible road closures on both carriageways. Please avoid the area if you can and plan accordingly." This sentiment was echoed by National Highways, who warned of delays and encouraged drivers to allow extra time for their journeys.
To manage the chaos, National Highways provided detailed diversion routes for affected motorists. From M25 Junction 28, road users were instructed to take the first exit onto the A12 toward London, with specific directions leading through various junctions to rejoin the motorway. Road users continuing toward the A12 were advised to expect prolonged delays as traffic backed up significantly.
Motorists reported frustrations as they remained trapped, with National Highways confirming approximately 7 miles of congestion on the anti-clockwise approach and 4 miles on the clockwise side. The impact of the crash not only halted traffic on the M25 but also delayed travel on adjacent routes, including the M11 southbound, which was reporting delays of up to 60 minutes above normal.
The scene of the crash created complications as all lanes were closed, including those on the clockwise carriageway, to allow for the air ambulance's landing. By early afternoon, the clockwise route had reopened, but the anti-clockwise remained heavily affected well after the site had been cleared.
Essex Police have been proactive, requesting assistance from the public for their investigation. They appealed for anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward, stating, "Please get in touch quoting incident number 400 of Monday 16 December." This call for public involvement highlights the importance of eyewitness accounts and evidence to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the unfortunate crash.
Once the emergency services completed their operations and the scene was cleared, the M25 was reopened, albeit still experiencing residual delays. A National Highways spokesperson later noted, "Please allow extra time for the remaining residual delays to clear." The recovery from this tragic event highlights not only the immediate response required during such emergencies but also the long-term effects on traffic patterns and commuter experiences.
Overall, this fatal collision serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on busy roadways. With the investigations underway, authorities continue to encourage public engagement to help clarify the events of December 16 and prevent similar tragedies on the roads.
