Traffic Gridlock After Major Road Traffic Collision Sends Vehicle Partially Over Bridge Barrier causes Major Emergency Response

Emergency services rushed to the Bridge late this evening following a major road traffic collision involving a heavy goods vehicle and multiple cars. The incident, reported at 3009, brought the key crossing between Bexley and Barking to a complete standstill. Initial reports indicated a high‑speed impact that left one vehicle partially hanging over the edge of the bridge. Witnesses described scenes of “chaos” as debris scattered across all lanes and thick smoke rose from at least one of the vehicles involved.

Fire crews, police units, and paramedics were dispatched within minutes, with responders working to secure the unstable vehicle and assess several occupants for injuries. The heavy goods vehicle, believed to have been travelling at speed prior to the collision, came to rest across multiple lanes, contributing to the extensive blockage. Traffic on both approaches quickly built up, with authorities urging drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. The bridge remains closed while investigators examine the scene and recovery teams work to clear the wreckage. No official casualty figures have yet been released, though emergency services have confirmed that multiple individuals were being treated.