A major Thames crossing has been closed after a crash involving a lorry and a car caused major damage to road infrastructure.
The collision took place on the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing — which connects Essex and Kent — shortly after 11am on Thursday.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and confirmed one person sustained minor injuries. Police warned the bridge would remain shut “for several hours” due to damage to both the road surface and safety barriers.
As a result, southbound traffic was being diverted through the Dartford tunnel — which usually serves drivers travelling clockwise on the M25.
“Northbound tunnel traffic is therefore confined to using the west bore Dartford tunnel only,” National Highways said.
Vehicle height restrictions of 4.8 metres (15ft 9in) are in place in the tunnel, with a Highways spokesperson warning: “Vehicles over this height will have to seek an alternative route via the clockwise M25.”
Fire, ambulance and police crews attended the incident, and drivers were urged to remain patient amid delays.
