A lorry fire has resulted in the complete closure of the A2 near Dartford in Kent, leading to substantial delays for motorists commuting to work. According to National Highways, the road is shut with closed lanes one, two, and three, causing congestion to extend for six miles. Severe delays are expected to persist throughout the morning, with normal traffic conditions not anticipated to resume until at least 11:30 AM.

Emergency services, including firefighters, are on the scene to manage the situation and ensure safety. The incident has created a logjam of vehicles, particularly for those traveling westbound between Bean and the M25 J2 for Darenth Interchange. Images from motorway traffic cameras show queuing traffic as drivers face lengthy delays and are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of key transport routes during peak hours and the potential for significant disruption due to unforeseen events such as vehicle fires. Commuters rely heavily on the A2 as a major link, and such incidents can have cascading effects on traffic patterns and local road systems throughout the day. The response from emergency services is crucial to quickly restoring normal traffic flow after the fire is extinguished and safety assessments are completed.