M25 CLOSES AS LARGE FIRE BREAKS OUT AT ST ALBANS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

A large fire broke out at an industrial estate in Ventura Park, St Albans, forcing the M25 motorway to close in both directions. Emergency services attended the scene on Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street. The closure affected the stretch between Junction 22 and Junction 21a. According to National Highways, commuters faced delays of around 60 minutes in both directions as a result of the incident.

The motorway remained closed as a precaution due to the risk of secondary explosions, together with smoke and debris affecting the carriageways, National Highways stated. Photographs released on social media and by National Highways showed thick dark smoke rising above the road. A Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the service was responding to the incident at Ventura Park. Network Rail placed a representative on site to liaise with the fire service given the incident's proximity to a railway line.

Local residents were advised by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid the area whilst emergency crews carried out their work. The exact cause of the fire and the nature of materials stored at the industrial estate were not reported at the time of the initial emergency response. Further updates were expected as the incident continued.