M11 traffic: Horror crash involving lorry, van and 3 cars near major UK airport
A huge stretch of the busy UK motorway has been closed as emergency services rush to the scene.
A horror crash on the M11 in Essex involving five different vehicles has seen emergency services rush to the scene. National Highways said the M11 is closed northbound between J8 (London Stansted Airport) and J10 (Duxford) "due to multi-vehicle collision".
Three cars, a van and a lorry were involved in the huge crash, with the latter coming to rest on its side at the edge of the road. Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Services have rushed to the scene, along with National Highways Traffic Officers. Motorway camera footage shows heavy traffic on approach to the incident. National Highways wrote on X: "The #M11 in #Essex is CLOSED northbound between J8 (@stn_airport) and J10 (#Duxford) due to a multi-vehicle collision including a lorry which has overturned. All emergency services are in attendance. More information to follow shortly."
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.
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KEY EVENTS
Traffic within closure moving through lane 2
The M11 in Essex remains closed northbound between J8 (Stanstead airport) and and J10 (Duxford).
Traffic caught within the closure however is now passing the scene of the incident via lane 2.
The #M11 in #Essex remains closed northbound between J8 (@STN_Airport) and J10 (#Duxford) due to a collision including a lorry which has overturned.
\u2014 National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) March 5, 2026
Traffic caught within the closure is now passing the scene of the incident via lane 2, thanks for your patience. pic.twitter.com/F5i3AFLMyY
Heavy queues show at junction 8
The queues currently near Junction 8 Stanstead airport.
Severe delays of 79 minutes
The AA reports that there are currently 79 minutes of delays northbound on the M11.
The average speed is currently 5mph.
Fire service statement
A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue told the Express
"We were called around 8pm, five crews attended the M11 northbound Jucntions 8-9. It was an RTC involving four cars and one HGV.
"The HGV had overturned and was partially down an embankment. Crews released one casualty from one of the car who was trapped. No one was trapped in the HGV. Fire crews left at 9.18pm."
Diversion route
A diversion route is now in place.
Road users are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs:Exit at Junction 8 and take the second exit from the roundabout A120 to Little Hadham Continue on the A120 through Little Hadham and Standon to A120/A10 roundabout. Take third exit from the roundabout and continue on A10 through Buntingford, Chipping, Buckland and Reed, to the A10/A505 roundabout at Royston. Take third exit from the roundabout and continue on A505 to rejoin with M11 northbound carriageway at Junction 10Empty Junction 8
ThIs image from motorway cameras show a completely empty junction 8
National Highways update
The M11 in Essex remains closed northbound between J8 (Stanstead Airport) and J10 (Duxford) due to a collision including a lorry which has overturned.
Recovery has been arranged.
We will bring you more updates as they arrive.
The #M11 in #Essex remains closed northbound between J8 (@STN_Airport) and J10 (#Duxford) due to a collision including a lorry which has overturned.
\u2014 National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) March 5, 2026
Recovery has now been arranged. Thanks for your patience if you're caught within the closure.
More info: https://t.co/j5He4K37LW pic.twitter.com/G2wrnk3QC3
