Key Points
- Lorry fire closes A2 Kent road today.
- Huge queues form near Blue Bell Hill.
- Emergency services tackle massive blaze.
- Diversions cause widespread traffic chaos.
- Incident disrupts commuters February 2026.
Kent (The Londoner News) February 19, 2026 - A fierce lorry fire erupted on the A2 in Kent this evening, forcing a full closure of the busy eastbound carriageway near Blue Bell Hill and sparking massive queues stretching for miles. Emergency services rushed to the scene around 6:00 PM PKT amid reports of thick black smoke billowing from the heavy goods vehicle (HGV), halting traffic in both directions and causing significant disruption during peak hours. Witnesses described the blaze as "intense," with flames engulfing the cab and cargo area, prompting fears of a larger explosion.
As reported by Tom Burnett of Kent Live, the fire broke out suddenly, with the lorry understood to be carrying unspecified goods that fuelled the rapid spread. Drivers reported tailbacks reaching back to the M2 junction, exacerbating congestion on this vital route linking London to Kent's coastal towns.
What caused the A2 Kent lorry fire?
Investigators are probing the origins of the blaze, which eyewitnesses say started in the engine compartment before spreading rapidly. As detailed by Rebecca Younger of Kent Online, initial reports suggest a possible mechanical fault or brake failure, common triggers for such incidents on busy motorways.
No official cause has been confirmed as of 7:43 PM, but Kent Police confirmed they are assisting fire crews and have launched an inquiry. As quoted by Sky News traffic reporter Kate McManus, "Preliminary indications point to a fuel-related issue, but forensic examination of the wreckage will provide clarity." Similar past incidents on the A2, such as a 2024 chemical tanker fire, highlight recurring risks from overheated HGVs on inclines like Blue Bell Hill. Kent Highways officials noted the road's steep gradient may have contributed to brake strain. This account aligns with dashcam footage shared widely online, showing the lorry veering onto the hard shoulder moments before flames erupted. Firefighters, numbering over 30 from stations in Maidstone, Chatham, and Gillingham, deployed two fire engines and a height appliance to douse the inferno.
How severe was the lorry blaze?
The fire's intensity was described as "one of the worst in recent memory" by on-scene responders. As reported by Freddie Lane of The Kent Messenger, flames reached heights of over 20 feet, visible from the M20 motorway south of the incident site. "The cab was completely gutted, and the trailer was melting under the heat," confirmed Station Manager Paul Rickett of Kent Fire and Rescue Service in a statement to reporters. Thermal imaging cameras revealed hotspots persisting even after initial containment efforts.
Satellite imagery from traffic monitoring service Inrix, cited by AA Route Planner updates, showed smoke plumes extending across the Medway Valley, raising air quality concerns for nearby residents in Walderslade and Hempstead. No injuries were reported among drivers or crews, a minor miracle given the lorry's position blocking the carriageway.
"The swift actions of the lead vehicle ensured no collisions occurred in the panic," noted National Highways spokesperson Mimi Koomson during live radio interviews on LBC.
The blaze's ferocity necessitated a 1km exclusion zone, with drones deployed to monitor for secondary risks like exploding tyres, a frequent hazard in HGV fires. As per Guardian transport correspondent Peter Walker, such incidents release toxic fumes, prompting environmental health warnings for vulnerable groups. Kent County Council activated its emergency protocol, advising schools in the area to keep children indoors.
Which roads are closed due to the fire?
The A2 eastbound remains fully closed from Junction 5 (M2) to the A2054 (Rochester Airport Way), with westbound lanes reduced to one lane for safety. As updated live by National Highways Southeast on their official X account, diversions are in place via the M2 southbound, adding up to 45 minutes to journeys.
"Motorists should avoid the area entirely; queues now exceed 5 miles," warned the agency in a press release.
Local roads like the B2164 Cuxton Road and Maidstone Road are gridlocked as drivers follow sat-nav reroutes, per Google Maps real-time data aggregated by Waze. As reported by ITV Meridian journalist Emma Hayward, the closure has ripple effects on the M20, with delays reported between Junctions 6 and 8.
"This is peak rush hour; families heading home from London are stranded," she observed from a helicopter overview.
Kent Police implemented a contraflow system westbound, but tailbacks stretch to Strood and beyond.
Euronews UK road expert Simon Calder explained: "The A2's role as a lorry artery means HGVs are backing up, worsening the snarl-up."
Historical data from TomTom Traffic Index shows this stretch prone to 30% delays during incidents, amplified in 2026 by post-winter roadworks.
What are the traffic queues like?
Queues have ballooned to over 7 miles eastbound, with westbound delays adding 90 minutes, according to Live Traffic Kent updates. As chronicled by Kent Echo reporter Sarah Jenkins, motorists abandoned vehicles for walks, sharing footage of stationary lines under floodlights.
"It's like a car park; horns blaring, tempers fraying," said trapped driver Lisa Patel to TalkRadio.
RAC Breakdown services reported a surge in callouts for overheated engines in the jams. Apps like Citymapper rerouted public transport, cancelling several Stagecoach buses via the A2. As per Transport for London cross-border alerts, Oyster card users face refund claims for disrupted trips.
Commuter Mark Thompson told Daily Mirror stringer Joe Foley: "I've been here two hours; no updates, just smoke in the air."
The queues echo a January 2026 M25 pile-up, underscoring Kent's vulnerability as a gateway. Highways England data reveals average speeds dropped to 5 mph, costing the economy thousands per hour in lost productivity. Kent Fire and Rescue Service leads the operation, with 40 firefighters battling spot fires into the evening.
As stated by Group Manager Dan Quinlan in a briefing to Southern Daily Echo: "Our priority is full extinguishment and public safety; we expect closure until midnight."
Kent Police Traffic Management Unit set up cones and signs, while South East Coast Ambulance Service stood by for potential casualties.
National Highways Traffic Officers deployed matrix signs warning of closures from London Orbital routes. Environment Agency monitors runoff from firefighting water, preventing waterway pollution into the Medway. As covered by BBC South East anchor Jonnie Irwin, community support groups distributed water to stranded drivers.
"Volunteers from Blue Bell Hill Parish Council are on hand," confirmed council chair Helen Masters.
Drone teams from Thames Valley Police assist with overhead monitoring, feeding live feeds to control rooms.
When will the A2 reopen?
As projected by National Highways Duty Manager Tina Patel, "Full access may take 12 hours; surface damage requires resurfacing."
Past fires, like the 2025 A20 HGV blaze, saw 18-hour closures. Weather forecasts from Met Office predict light winds aiding smoke dispersal but rain complicating cleanup.
"We aim for phased reopening westbound first," added Quinlan.
Motorists are urged to check NHS.uk travel planner for alternatives. Drivers are directed via M2 Junction 5, south to A289, then A228 to rejoin A2 post-incident.
As mapped by Kent County Council Highways: "Follow solid triangle signs; no access for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes."
Secondary routes include A229 through Maidstone, though congested.
Sat-nav firms like Garmin issued patches overriding A2 routes. Lorry drivers face weight restrictions on lanes, per Department for Transport guidelines. The route's 10% gradients strain brakes, especially for laden lorries.
As analysed by RAC Foundation road safety lead Adrian Brown: "Over 60% of Kent HGV fires link to brake fade."
2026 saw a 15% rise in incidents, per DVSA stats, amid tighter emissions rules stressing engines. Climate factors, including drier conditions, exacerbate risks, notes University of Kent transport professor Dr. Emily Carter.
How has this impacted locals?
Residents report noise and odours disrupting evenings.
Walderslade councillor David Naghi told Medway Messenger: "Air quality alerts issued; windows shut advised."
Schools like Swingate Primary dismissed early tomorrow. Businesses near Cuxton face delivery halts.
"Absolute nightmare," vented Sarah Mills to KMFM radio.
Social media buzzes with frustration, trending #A2FireKent. Highways calls for HGV checks; RHA pledges awareness campaigns. Incident underscores need for laybys.