People travelling in and out of the county faced long delays this evening following a crash between nine vehicles on the M11.
The crash between three lorries, four cars and one coach brought traffic to a standstill earlier today.
Firefighters were called to the northbound carriageway between Saffron Walden and Bishops Stortford at about 9.50am.
The southbound carriageway has reopened but the northbound carriageway remains closed in both directions between junctions eight for Bishops Stortford and 10 for Duxford. Diversions are in place.
The northbound carriageway of the M11 is not expected to open until at least 3am Tuesday morning. Diversions are in place.
Five people have been taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. They are a man and an elderly woman who were trapped on the coach and three people in separate cars who have minor neck and back injuries.
The elderly woman has serious head injuries and is in a life threatening condition.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the accident. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about events leading to the collisions should contact Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.
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