Car Bursts Into Flames On A13 Near Rainham Causing Heavy Smoke

A car caught fire on the A13 near Rainham this afternoon, sending large plumes of thick black and white smoke billowing across the carriageway and into surrounding trees.
The incident was captured on video by a passing motorist at around 15:29 on Sunday, 15 March 2026, with footage showing the vehicle fully alight behind the central reservation barrier as smoke rapidly spread across the area.
Drivers on the A13 reported being able to see the blaze from a distance, with the scale of the smoke causing significant visibility concerns for motorists passing through the Rainham stretch of the major Essex road.
Emergency services are expected to have been called to the scene. The A13 is one of the key arterial routes connecting East London and Essex, and any incident on the road typically causes disruption to traffic in both directions during busy periods.
The cause of the fire is not yet known. No information on casualties has been confirmed at this stage.
Motorists travelling on the A13 in the Rainham area are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and follow any guidance issued by Essex Police or Highways England regarding lane closures or diversions while the scene is dealt with.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​