A 55 tonne crane has overturned on the M25 sparking traffic chaos and severe delays.
Traffic is backed up with at least 12 miles of queues and carnage is expected to continue until 11pm tonight.
The huge crane smashed down over both sides of the carriageway after a serious crash at Junction 27 with the M11 in Essex at around 4.30pm today.
This is causing miles of slow-moving queues on the M11, too, between junctions 5 and 6 on the northbound carriageway.
Dismayed commuters trying to get home are being warned of the severe delays and being urged to find alternative routes.
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Highways England tweeted: "M25 at J27 clockwise and anti-clockwise, motorway is CLOSED for a serious Road traffic collision involving a vehicle that has crossed over. All emergency services heading to scene. Please avoid the area."
Journey times are being increased by at least 80 minutes and or more.
The crane overturned and crossed from the clockwise to the anticlockwise carriage way between the slip roads.
There are 12 miles of queues on the clockwise carriageway almost reaching Potters Bar.
Meanwhile on the anticlockwise, the traffic stretches back past Brentwood.
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Essex Police have asked drivers to remain patient. In a tweet they urged motorists to consider the safety of officers and other road workers.
“Please remind people to remain patient and not put officers or other highway workers at risk by turning or moving unless or until directed by Police. We are making good progress and will get everyone out," they said.
They confirmed that no-one has been seriously hurt.
Traffic England said the incident won't be cleared until around 10pm and, owing to the huge disruption, it is also expected that normal traffic conditions may not return until after 11pm.
On their website they have said: "The event is expected to clear between 22:00 and 22:15 on December 6 2019.
"Normal traffic conditions are expected between 22:45 and 23:00 on December 6 2019."
The motorway is completely closed and traffic is stationary.
There has also been an oil spillage from the accident, which is expected to take some time to clear.
A video shows serious damage to the central reservation and appears to show several severely damaged vehicles.
Six fire crews are said to be on scene dealing with the overturned crane.
Several blocks from the carriageway have been broken off by the crane and spread across the junction making it impossible for cars to pass.
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