M25 crash leaves 8 people injured - man arrested on suspicion of drug-driving

A multi-vehicle crash on the M25 left eight people injured, after officers were called to the anti-clockwise carriageway shortly after 6pm yesterday evening (August 13) following a report of a crash involving multiple vehicles between Junction 9 for Leatherhead and 8 for Reigate.

Three lanes of the anti-clockwise carriageway were closed for for much of the evening during this incident, but were later reopened. Surrey Police later confirmed a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

A force spokesman said: "Officers were called to the anticlockwise carriageway of the M25 last night at 6.05pm following a report of a collision involving multiple vehicles between J9 and J8. Surrey Fire and Rescue, the South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Highways England also attended.

"Eight people were given medical attention at the scene or taken on to hospital for further treatment. A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of drug driving."

The crash hot on the heels of another incident causing further delays for motorists on the M25.

A stretch was shut for more than 17 hours after a lorry fire forced emergency repairs.

The blaze broke out on the anti-clockwise carriageway at around 12:25pm on Wednesday, between junction 31 at Thurrock and junction 29 for the A127.

Thick smoke and intense heat prompted the closure of both directions as eight fire engines from Essex, Kent and London rushed to the scene.

The clockwise side reopened by 2pm, but the anti-clockwise carriageway remained closed overnight for resurfacing, finally reopening at 6am today.