A2 traffic UPDATES: Major commuter road from Kent to London CLOSED due to lorry fire

Commuters face long delays this morning as a lorry fire has closed part of a major road.

A large stretch of the A2 remains shut eastbound from Gravesend to the M2 link near Rochester. Authorities have a long diversion in place, which is likely to add significant time onto journeys during rush hour.

Due to the severity of the fire, vehicles are unable to get past the stricken lorry, the National Highways said. It confirmed Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Kent Police are in attendance and, as a result, the A2 is expected to remain closed for several hours.

05:17 KEY EVENT

First photograph of the A2 lorry fire

Photographs have emerged on social media of the fire.

One shows flames roar from the vehicle, stricken on the hard shoulder of the A2 near Rochester.

The other lanes are s