Major disruption on M40 as bitumen tanker crash triggers hazardous spill

18 November 2025 , 08:00

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Major disruption on M40 as bitumen tanker crash triggers hazardous spill

Motorists are experiencing travel chaos this morning on a major motorway following a serious crash that has led to hazardous chemicals leaking.

Southbound lanes of the M40 are closed between Oxford and Watlington following the collision, involving a car and a tanker at approximately 7:45 pm on Monday. According to a statement from National Highways, emergency services are at the scene working with specialist teams to "safely contain and clear a spillage of bitumen from the damaged tanker."

A National Highways spokesperson said: "Emergency services responded to the collision where thankfully nobody was injured, but a large spillage of bitumen was confirmed, and the road closed to safely respond to the scene."

Elizabeth Baker

Technology & Business Editor