M11 traffic latest: M11 closed as major crash hits near Harlow - 9 MILES of queues
THE M11 has been closed in both directions after a major crash on the southbound section of the motorway in Essex.
M11 traffic: Road map shows areas affected
Eyewitnesses reported a huge emergency presence heading to the crash site which is between junctions seven and eight. Police are at the scene, along with fire engines, an air ambulance and more paramedics. The eyewitness said on social media: "Massive accident I fear on M11, before M25 exit. 2 fire engines, 3 ambulances, 2 cop cars and 1 undercover whizzed down hard shoulder past me.
"And I think I saw the air ambulance.... I would avoid for a while!"
Another eyewitness, Anna Nolan, wrote on Twitter: “Between Junction 7 (Harlow) and Junction 6 (#M25) on the #M11. Serious crash ahead. Engines off. Both sides of the motorway closed.
“En-route to our Ferry to France from Poole with @BrittanyFerries and I’m pretty sure we’ll miss it now.”
Long delays are expected.
Highways England said: “#M11, Southbound between J7 and J6, full closure of carriageway currently in place due to a Serious Road Traffic Accident.
"Police at scene dealing. Traffic Officers En Route. Long delays expected. Please find an alternative route.”
By 10.50am Highways England said the road had reopened northbound but the southbound section remained closed.
The incident took place just before 10am.
Inspector Rob Brettell of Essex Police, said: “North bound #M11 closed briefly while @EHAAT_ leaves the scene - we will have to now conduct an investigation into this crash therefore south bound will remain closed we hope to have vehicles turned round shortly.
“We are going to SLOWLY move trapped cars in the #southbound #M11 prior to junction 6 to pass in lane 3 - follow officers instructions please - road will then be closed no further traffic will be able to access from junction 7.”
One driver was taken to hospital by air ambulance.
He was said to have suffered possibly life-threatening injuries.
Essex Police said: “We have closed the M11 at NorthWeald following a collision at 9.40am today, August 1.
"We have shut the southbound carriageway between junctions 7 and 6 and an air ambulance has attended the scene.
"The driver, a man aged in his 40s, potentially has life threatening injuries and will be airlifted to hospital.
"This road could be closed for a number of hours as we manage this incident and carry out our enquiries.
"We thank you for your patience and support."