Blackwall Tunnel finally reopens after van fire sparks chaos and forces evacuation

East London’s Blackwall Tunnel has finally reopened after a van was engulfed in flames yesterday.

Traffic came to a standstill and drivers were forced to abandon their cars inside as the tunnel was evacuated and surrounding roads shut.

Transport for London (TfL) worked throughout the evening to repair the road afterthe fire and the tunnel – which links Tower Hamlets with Greenwich, and part of the A102 road – was reopened in the early hours of today.

Elsewhere, there are ‘serious delays’ on the A40 during rush hour traffic, according to the TfL website.

Multiple lanes have been closed to facilitate Thames Water and HS2 works. People are being warned to expect delays.