The road was closed in both directions while emergency services responded to the incident.
An electricity pole and overhead cables were brought down in the collision and 14 properties were left without power.
The damage had now been made safe by UK Power Networks, police said.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service said junctions 28 and 27 anti-clockwise had opened again but lanes one and two (of four) remained closed for ongoing clear-up work.
The windscreen of a second lorry was damaged in the collision.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area and find alternative routes as the lane closures were expected to remain in place for several hours, police said.
A diversion was put in place to central London via the A13 westbound.