Both carriageways of the M25 between junctions 22 and 21A near St Albans have been closed following a warehouse fire at Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, which authorities say carries a risk of secondary explosion, with smoke and debris potentially affecting the motorway.
M25 closed in both directions near St Albans after warehouse fire prompts explosion risk
Both carriageways of the M25 between junctions 22 and 21A near St Albans have been closed following a warehouse fire at Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, which authorities say carries a risk of secondary explosion, with smoke and debris potentially affecting the motorway.
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the fire at 09:21 BST. The service said it had received a significant number of calls about the incident and that firefighters were working to bring the situation under control. Fifteen crews were reported to be at the scene.
National Highways confirmed the motorway closure, citing the risk of a secondary explosion as well as smoke and debris reaching the carriageway. Delays of approximately 60 minutes were reported in both directions on the approach to the closed section, and drivers were advised to allow extra time and consider alternative routes.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed the road closure was attributable to smoke from the warehouse fire and said additional road closures were in place on Colney Street and Old Parkbury Lane.
National Highways noted that because the warehouse is situated close to a railway line, Network Rail had a representative on site liaising with the fire service.
Residents and people nearby were asked to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid the area.
- The cause of the fire has not been established in the source text.
- The identity or owner of the warehouse is not stated.
- Whether any injuries occurred is not mentioned.
- The nature of the materials stored in the warehouse, which would explain the explosion risk, is not specified.
- Whether train services on the nearby railway line were affected is not addressed.
- The current status of the fire at the time of publication is not confirmed beyond firefighters working to bring it under control.