Emergency calls to traffic on the M25 for hours in record heat

People who were stuck in heavy traffic for hours after a serious crash between a van and a lorry on the M25 are being treated for heat-related illnesses in decades of June heat.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said it responded to a number of patients on the M25 between junctions 6 and 7 near Godstone, with part of the motorway closed and one person taken to hospital.

He said they are prioritizing the most serious cases as long queues make it difficult for patients to reach them.

The spokesperson said the congestion was heavy and prolonged with some vehicles standing still for hours during the red heat warning.

“This calls for people suffering from heat-related illness, including several coach passengers,” he said.

People have taken to social media to ask for help from emergency services.

One woman posted on Facebook: “My parents have been stuck on the M25 for over 4.5 hours, no information, no goods.

“On the hottest June day in 50 years, in the middle of a red heat warning, the elderly, children, animals, people with health problems are on the pavement!

“Can’t the police coordinate some water and help? The evacuations are taking hours!”

Another posted: “My Nan and Grandad were both 7hrs in the 70’s and were never told.

“They think they have to give water in this heat! After another 3 ambulances have passed, they just think that maybe people will get sick from the heat. It’s terrible”.

Another replied: “My parents are in their 70s too. They say the ambulance is trying to get through but there is no strong shoulder! People lying on the ground are not safe. No information or support!”