M25 closed as crane overturns on both carriageways

Image source, Highways Agency

Image caption, The collapse caused congestion between junctions 25 and 29

The M25 was closed for about 12 hours after a crane collapsed on the motorway.

The crane toppled at Junction 27 for the M11 in Epping, Essex, at about 16:45 GMT on Friday.

It caused huge tailbacks in both directions, with more than 10 miles of near-stationary traffic.

The crane was later removed and the road resurfaced. The clockwise carriageway re-opened at 04:00 GMT, and anti-clockwise at 07:00 GMT.

One lane remained closed in both directions to repair the central reservation, but there were no delays.

Earlier, Essex Police said no-one has been seriously injured.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The crane overturned over both sides of the carriageway

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said six engines were , where traffic stretched back to Junction 29 (A127) on the anti-clockwise carriageway.

Concrete had been scattered across the motorway by the crane, making it impossible for cars to pass.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Concrete was scattered across the carriageway by the crane, making it impossible for cars to pass.

Work continued through the night to clear away debris and resurface the road as Highways England warned motorists to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for the organisation said the road was damaged due to a diesel spillage, but specialist contractors had been brought in to get the motorway re-opened.