M25 crash shuts Holmesdale Tunnel as air ambulance lands at scene
A major section of the M25 has been completely shut this morning following a serious crash inside the Holmesdale Tunnel, sparking severe delays and trapping dozens of drivers.
Emergency crews, including police, paramedics, and fire services, rushed to the scene shortly after 8am when two lorries collided on the clockwise carriageway between Junction 25 (Waltham Cross) and Junction 26 (Waltham Abbey), right on the Essex, Hertfordshire, and Enfield border.
The motorway was immediately closed in both directions to allow an air ambulance to land near the tunnel exit. Witnesses reported total gridlock, with traffic frozen for miles.
“The #M25 clockwise is now closed between J25 #WalthamCross and J26 #WalthamAbbey #HolmesdaleTunnel following a serious collision.
The anti-clockwise carriageway remains held whilst the air ambulance is on scene. There are approximately. 5 miles of congestion in both directions,” said National Highways in an update shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Queues have stretched well beyond the affected area, backing up to J27 for the M11, while diversion routes through Waltham Cross and Waltham Abbey have become heavily congested as trapped motorists attempt to find alternative paths.
Commuters describe the scene as “a complete standstill,” with some vehicles stuck in place for nearly an hour.
Travel :
The M25 is blocked each way between Junction 25 A10 and J26 Waltham Abbey because of serious crash involving 2 lorries at the exit of the Holmesdale Tunnel – the air ambulance is on the scene.#BBCLondonTravel pic.twitter.com/Fof1GbkPO5
— BBC London (@BBCLondonNews) October 29, 2025
Inrix, the traffic monitoring service, confirmed that two lorries were involved in the collision but did not provide further details regarding injuries.
At this stage, the number of casualties remains unknown, and emergency workers continue to assess the situation.
The M25 crash comes only hours after another major incident on the motorway, a collision and vehicle fire between Romford and Brentwood earlier today, which caused lengthy tailbacks across east London and Essex.
Footage from the Holmesdale Tunnel shows the air ambulance touching down on the anti-clockwise carriageway, with paramedics rushing towards the lorries involved.
Authorities have urged drivers to avoid the M25 in this area and expect significant delays throughout the morning as recovery and investigation work continues.
For further information on this #M25 clockwise closure between J25 and J26, including the diversion route details, please head over to: https://t.co/cxhTsVAmMP
Trapped traffic clockwise is currently being turned and released via the rear of the queue. Anti-clock remains held. pic.twitter.com/MXqCwt2dzJ
— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) October 29, 2025
Metro has contacted the Metropolitan Police and East of England Ambulance Service for further comment.
