M25 horror as man dies after plunging from Dartford Crossing bridge
The QE2 Bridge, linking Kent and Essex on the M25 was closed for hours as police were called to the welfare of a man who was found dead at the scene.
Drivers using the Dartford Crossing were hit with severe delays after the death of a man. Essex Police were called to the M25 early this morning, and were forced to shut the bridge as a result.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Officers were called to the QE2 Bridge at around 9am following a concern for welfare report. Emergency services were in attendance and sadly, a man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"His family are aware. The bridge was fully closed and has since been re-opened."
Traffic cameras showed queues stretching 10 miles on the M25 approach roads in both directions in Kent and Essex, with residual delays still affecting the roads now.
According to National Highways traffic is still slower between junctions 31 1A on the clockwise carriageway.
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Man dies after plunging from QE2 Bridge
A spokesman for Essex Police said:
"Officers were called to the QE2 Bridge at around 9am following a concern for welfare report. Emergency services were in attendance and sadly, a man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"His family are aware. The bridge was fully closed and has since been re-opened."
More than 90 minutes of delays remain
A broken down lorry on the slip road of junction 30's exit from the M25 is now adding to the delays on the motorway.
National Highways has advised that more than 90 minutes of delays remain on the M25 following the earlier closure, with eight miles of traffic to clear.
Essex Police called to concerns for the welfare of a man
Essex Police told the Express: "The #QEIIBridge has been closed following a serious incident which was reported to us at 9am this morning, Tuesday 7 May."We were called to concerns for the welfare of a man. All emergency services are at the scene."At this stage, the bridge has been closed whilst the incident is being dealt with."
Queues stretching back eight miles have built
National Highways reports that queues stretching back eight miles have built, causing delays of around 90 minutes. Congestion has spread back as far as Junction 29 of the M25 for Romford.
Drivers were already facing delays on the M25
There are severe delays on the clockwise carriageway of the M25 due to ongoing congestion
It comes as drivers were already facing severe delays around the M25 near Heathrow, Potters Bar, and Brentwood due to a combination of roadworks, a broken down lorry, and an accident.
Traffic resuming - but delays of 90 minutes still expected
Traffic is resuming, but drivers have been warned delays will last a while.
All lanes have now reopened on the #A282 southbound #QEIIBridge #DartfordCrossing following a Police led incident.
\u2014 National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) May 7, 2024
There are 8 miles congestion following this incident causing 90 min delays above normal travel time. Please allow plenty of time for delays to clear. pic.twitter.com/DtwBKpZXo7
Which police forces are at the scene?
Kent Police has told Express.co.uk that incidents on the bridge are dealt with by Essex Police.
The force has been contacted for a statement.
How long are the queues?
AA Traffic news says there are "severe delays" and two lanes closed due to police incident on M25 QE2 Bridge clockwise from J31 A1306 (Lakeside / Purfleet) to J1A A206 (Dartford).
"Congestion is to almost J29 Romford, and A13 queues back past Grays," it added.
Live traffic camera pictures from the scene
Traffic appears to be building up on the Essex side of the bridge, with cameras showing the bridge itself free from vehicles.
This is a police-led incident and the bridge itself appears temporarily shut.
Welcome to our latest updates
The Dartford Crossing is currently at a standstill, with drivers warned of delays spanning 90 minutes.
This blog will be updated accordingly with relevant information as more is obtained from official sources.