Tanker crash closes M25 for a day

A section of the M25 in Essex remained closed on Thursday, almost 24 hours after a fatal crash involving a tanker.

A six-mile clockwise section between Junction 29, Upminster and Junction 30, Lakeside was expected to remain closed through the morning rush hour.

The tanker driver, who has not been named, was confirmed dead shortly after the accident at 1000 GMT on Wednesday.

The accident created 18-mile jams on Britain's busiest road, trapping about 30,000 drivers.

Drivers heading south on the 120-mile orbital motorway are being diverted via the A127 before rejoining the M25 at junction 30 close to Thurrock.

Embankment plunge

A spokeswoman for AA Roadwatch said: "The road is busy today but many drivers seem to have heeded warnings about delays today and have avoided the area."

In the crash, at the A127 turnoff, the tanker cab and trailer came apart and ended up down a 15ft embankment.

The tanker ended up on top of the cab in an unstable position.

Essex Police Inspector Nick Burston, who was at the scene, described it as a very complex operation.

Investigations are continuing to find out how the accident happened and motorists are being told to avoid the area.