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Commuters are facing severe morning delays after a serious two-lorry collision triggered a 300-litre diesel spill across a busy stretch of the M3 in Surrey.
The crash, which happened during the early hours of Tuesday, took place between Junction 3 for Lightwater and Bagshot and Junction 2 for the M25 interchange.
National Highways has reported that a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) struck an overhead gantry during the impact, while the second suffered a ruptured fuel tank, sending a massive wave of diesel across the carriageway.
Emergency services — including Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, and South East Coast Ambulance Service — responded to the scene shortly after receiving reports at 4am.
Both HGV drivers managed to free themselves from their cabs and were treated by paramedics at the roadside.
While fire crews fought to contain the hazardous fuel slick and clear heavy structural debris, highway engineers have warned the diesel has already eaten into the road surface.
National Highways confirmed the damage was so severe that emergency resurfacing would be needed before any traffic could safely return.
“A full resurfacing of the road is required and therefore the M3 is likely to remain closed through the morning peak period whilst this is carried out,” the agency said in a statement.
Traffic has backed up for several miles towards Junction 4 at Camberley, triggering widespread gridlock on surrounding routes, including the A322 and A30 through Sunningdale and Egham.
A formal diversion route has been set up, and motorists have been urged to avoid the area or build substantial extra travel time into their morning journeys.