Moment Tesco lorry explodes in fireball on M25 between J5 to Sevenoaks and J6 to Godstone captured on dash cam

The shocking moment a Tesco truck exploded into a ball of flames was captured on dashcam footage by a terrified driver.

Anthony Moc was traveling along the M25 clockwise, between Junction 5 for Sevenoaks and Junction 6 near Godstone, last night when the lorry crashed into a barrier.

A huge fireball erupted from the truck – spreading flames across the carriageway as it swerved into the central reservation before coming to a stop.

Scientist Mr Moc says he believes the truck was trying to take the Clacket Lane services exit at the last minute before the collision.

“He hit the barrier and there was a huge ball of fire,” said the 29-year-old.

“I was panicked and a little scared.

“This was the first time I witnessed any type of accident while driving.

“I was worried the truck was going to explode.”

The fire broke out at around 10.15pm last night and forced the closure of the M25 in both directions.

Five fire engines and two water haulers were called to respond to the incident and crews remained on scene for 10 hours.

National Highways says the fire caused extensive damage to the road surface and the reserve’s central barrier.

Due to the intensity of the fire, recovering the vehicle was also complicated, as parts of it disintegrated.

Work is ongoing to remove debris from the carriageway and specialist cutting equipment is being used to dismantle the remaining parts of the vehicle on site.

Moc added: “It caught fire very quickly and I was very surprised by it.

“There was a lot of fire.

“I’m not used to it – I’m used to my normal, boring driving.”

The clockwise carriageway of the M25 is likely to remain closed until the evening to allow for restoration and resurfacing.

Lanes three and four are also closed on the anti-clockwise carriageway between Godstone and Sevenoaks.

Drivers are warned to expect delays on diversion routes including the A21, A25 and A22.

A Tesco spokesperson confirmed the incident involved one of its vehicles, and the company is supporting emergency services in their investigation.

The driver suffered minor injuries, according to Surrey Police.

Congestion extends from Junction 3 of the M20 to Swanley Interchange and anti-clockwise back to Junction 7 of the M23.

There are also long queues at the A25 bypass back to Sevenoaks.

Elsewhere, traffic is backed up for miles due to emergency roadworks at Dartford Crossing after one of the tunnels remained closed all day.

Some people on social media reported long delays on what would normally be short trips.

National Highways South East network operations manager Robert Bell previously advised drivers to avoid the area if they could.

He added: “The challenging nature and extensive damage these incidents have caused means that closures will be in place on the route this evening and my advice is that you plan your journey, allow extra time and avoid the area if possible.

“We have diversions in place but due to the impact of these incidents there is already significant disruption in the surrounding areas and we expect this to worsen as we move into the evening route.

“Opening these roads is our absolute priority and we are doing everything we can to make it happen.

“The M25 and Dartford Junction are important parts of the strategic road network and we understand the inconvenience and disruption any closure can cause.

“We appreciate people’s patience and understanding while these significant repairs are carried out.”