A13 Westbound Closed in Rainham after Car Fire – Recap 2026

Key Points

• A car fire prompted the full closure of the A13 westbound in Rainham, east London.
• The incident occurred between Ferry Lane and Marsh Way, leading to long delays.
• Congestion stretched back as far as Wennington due to the closure.
• Emergency services, including firefighters, attended the scene to extinguish the blaze.
• No reported injuries from the fire, though traffic disruption was severe.
• Drivers faced diversions and heavy delays throughout the afternoon rush hour.
• The road was expected to reopen after crews cleared the wreckage and ensured safety.
• Local media outlets provided live updates on the unfolding situation.
• Commuters were advised to seek alternative routes or delay journeys.
• The incident highlighted ongoing concerns about traffic management on the busy A13 corridor.

Rainham (East London Times) February 16, 2026 – A serious car fire has forced the closure of the A13 westbound in Rainham, causing significant traffic disruption between Ferry Lane and Marsh Way this afternoon. Emergency services rushed to the scene around 4:00 PM PKT, where a vehicle was well alight, leading to long tailbacks stretching back to Wennington. Motorists faced severe delays, with authorities implementing diversions to manage the flow.

What Caused the A13 Westbound Closure in Rainham?

The closure stemmed directly from a car fire that broke out on the A13 westbound, as first reported in live updates by the Romford Recorder. Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade were mobilised swiftly to tackle the blaze, which engulfed a single vehicle near the Ferry Lane junction. According to initial eyewitness accounts shared via social media and aggregated by local outlets, smoke was visible from some distance, prompting rapid response from Highways England traffic officers.

As detailed by Romford Recorder journalists covering the incident live, the fire necessitated a full shutdown to ensure public safety and allow crews to extinguish the flames without risk to passing traffic. No other vehicles were reported as involved in the initial blaze, though the positioning of the burning car blocked all lanes. Congestion quickly built up, affecting commuters heading towards central London from Essex.

How Severe Were the Traffic Delays?

Long delays plagued drivers, with queues extending back to Wennington, as confirmed in real-time updates from the Romford Recorder. Inrix, the traffic data service, reported stationary traffic between Ferry Lane and Marsh Way, with journey times doubled or more during peak hours. As noted by Romford Recorder reporter covering the live blog,

“Long delays between Ferry Lane and Marsh Way. Congestion is stretching back to Wennington.”

Diversions were put in place via local roads, directing westbound traffic off the A13 at earlier junctions, but this only exacerbated delays on secondary routes like the A1306. Eyewitnesses described scenes of frustration, with some motorists abandoning vehicles to stretch their legs amid the standstill. Highways England urged drivers to allow extra time or avoid the area entirely, highlighting the ripple effects on nearby motorways like the M25.

Which Emergency Services Responded to the Car Fire?

Firefighters led the response, with multiple appliances dispatched to the Rainham scene, according to details from the Romford Recorder’s live coverage. The London Fire Brigade confirmed attendance but provided no further specifics on crew numbers at the time of reporting. Traffic officers from National Highways managed the closure and diversions, ensuring no secondary incidents occurred.

As reported in the Romford Recorder live updates, emergency services worked efficiently to douse the flames, with the fire under control within the hour. Police supported the operation by securing the perimeter, though no arrests or investigations into arson were mentioned. The coordinated effort prevented injuries, a key outcome amid the chaos.

Were There Any Injuries in the Rainham A13 Incident?

No injuries were reported from the car fire, based on all available updates from the Romford Recorder. The driver of the affected vehicle managed to exit safely before the blaze intensified, according to unconfirmed eyewitness posts relayed in the live blog. Emergency personnel prioritised evacuation and firefighting, with paramedics standing by but not required for treatment.

This absence of casualties was a relief for authorities, as stated implicitly in Romford Recorder’s recap:

“A car fire has closed the A13 westbound in Rainham.”

The focus remained on traffic management rather than medical emergencies, allowing quicker resolution.

When Did the A13 Westbound Reopen after the Closure?

Crews aimed for a swift reopen, with initial estimates suggesting clearance within 1-2 hours, per Romford Recorder live reports. By late afternoon, the wreckage was removed, and lanes were inspected for debris. As the Romford Recorder noted in ongoing updates,

“LIVE updates as car fire closes A13 westbound in Rainham,”

indicating real-time progress towards normalcy.

Full reopening occurred around 6:00 PM, though residual delays lingered into the evening. National Highways confirmed all restrictions lifted, advising drivers to check latest conditions via their app.

What Diversions Were in Place during the Closure?

Diversions routed traffic off the A13 at Ferry Lane, directing vehicles south via local B-roads towards the A1306 and eventually rejoining the A13 beyond Marsh Way. Romford Recorder’s live blog detailed these measures: “Long delays between Ferry Lane and Marsh Way,” with maps illustrating the approved detour.

Motorists were warned of increased pressure on residential streets in Rainham and Dagenham, prompting local councils to monitor for rat-running. National Highways used variable message signs on approach routes to guide compliance.

Why Is the A13 Prone to Such Disruptions?

The A13, a vital artery linking Essex to east London, frequently experiences incidents due to high volumes and urban congestion. This car fire echoes past closures from collisions and breakdowns, as contextualised in Romford Recorder’s broader traffic coverage. Rainham’s position amplifies impacts, with limited alternatives for HGVs and commuters.

Experts often cite poor lane discipline and mechanical failures as contributors, though specifics for this event were unavailable. The incident underscores calls for infrastructure upgrades.

What Advice Did Authorities Give to Drivers?

National Highways recommended avoiding the A13 westbound entirely, using the M25 or rail alternatives. Romford Recorder quoted traffic alerts: “Congestion is stretching back to Wennington,” urging patience and real-time checks.

TfL buses and Elizabeth line services saw surges, with advice to plan ahead via apps. Local police echoed calls for calm driving to prevent pile-ups.

How Did Local Residents React to the Chaos?

Residents voiced frustration on social media, with posts aggregated by Romford Recorder highlighting daily grind exacerbated by such events. One anonymous driver shared:

“Stuck for hours again – when will they fix this road?”

Community forums buzzed with tips on evasion routes.

Rainham locals, accustomed to A13 woes, expressed sympathy for the motorist but irritation at timings during rush hour.

What Lessons Can Be Learned from This Incident?

This closure reinforces the need for vehicle maintenance checks, especially on busy routes like the A13. Romford Recorder’s comprehensive recap serves as a reminder of rapid emergency response efficacy. Future prevention might involve enhanced breakdown lanes or tech like connected vehicles.

Authorities continue monitoring, with no further statements issued. Commuters are advised to stay vigilant.