M40 explosion: Commuters warned of delays after 'massive blast' on busy motorway

Matt Watts|Geogia Diebelius22 September 2016

Commuters were today warned to expect severe rush-hour delays as engineers battle to repair the surface of the M40 motorway following a giant mobile crane explosion.

Homeowners in Gerrards Cross, Bucks, said their houses were rocked by “five massive blasts” as the unit’s tyres and fuel tank were engulfed in flames at about 9.30pm yesterday.

The southbound stretch of the motorway between junctions 2 and 1a on the approach to the M25 was shut for two hours as six fire engines and a water tanker were deployed to douse the flames.

The busy stretch of road, a key route into the capital from the Midlands and Oxfordshire, was closed overnight and work was expected to continue for several hours this morning.

Blast: the crane was engulfed in a ball of flames after the explosion

Commuters have been advised to take alternative routes as the scorched carriageway is re-surfaced.

Motorists who endured two-hour tailbacks last night said it was a miracle noone was injured in the blast.

TV presenter Gethin Jones, who was among hundreds caught up in the drama, tweeted: “Witnessed terrible explosions on the M40. Stuck in the tailback for an hour and not gonna be moving soon. Thoughts with those involved.”

Jodie Hall wrote on Facebook: “Crane came down and is across both carriages. My boyfriend’s’ car was pushed sideways by the explosion.”

Matt James, a salesman from Denham, tweeted: “If I had left training two minutes earlier I would be legit dead.”

A resident who lives nearby wrote on Instagram: “We overheard massive explosions and saw billowing flames and pouring acrid black smoke.

“I received a text from someone in the queue behind the fire, saying the hard shoulder had been blocked by impatient drivers and emergency vehicles couldn’t get through.”

Hannah Bishop, who lives nearby, tweeted: “The explosions were tyres and fuel tank going up in flames. Terrifying end to today.”

Elena Prokopiou wrote: “Felt, heard and can smell the explosions from my house. Really hope no one is hurt.”

Matt Platts added: “I’m two miles from the closest part of the M40, and our house shook as well.”

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said the carriageway had been badly damaged and would need to be resurfaced, which meant the southbound road is likely to be closed throughout this morning’s rush hour.

Highways England said all traffic southbound was being diverted at junction 2 onto the A355 and then onto the A40.

They urged people to avoid the motorway and choose alternative routes if setting out from home.

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