TWO people have sadly died after a serious crash on the A12.

Emergency services were called to the A12’s Northbound carriageway between Marks Tey and Stanway at about 12.45pm yesterday.

Read more >> Man and woman confirmed dead and two others seriously injured after A12 crash

Upon arrival police officers, paramedics, air ambulance medics and firefighters from Colchester, Witham and the Urban Search and Rescue Team were confronted with a vehicle which had smashed into a tree.

Gazette:

The lane between Junction 25 and Junction 26 was immediately closed as fire crews worked to extract two people from the car who found themselves trapped.

Nicholas Taylor, 31, who lives not far from where the accident occurred, said he saw an air ambulance land from his window.

He said: “I heard the first helicopter arrive and I saw it was landing and then I saw one, possibly two, more arrive on the scene.

“One helicopter departed but one remained on the field, there were lots of blue lights and the vehicles were stationary on the A12.

“I do not drive so I cannot comment on the state of reasons for the incident but, as a cyclist, I would say that it feels people are very impatient on the roads now.”

The horrifying accident resulted in standstill congestion and the area was completely shut down throughout the busy rush-hour period.

Drivers were even spotted travelling south on the Northbound road after being turned round by police.

Gazette:

Guy Napthine, another resident who lives not far from the scene, said: “The number of sirens and chaos had a significant impact on surrounding local roads.

“You don’t often see vehicles driving on the wrong carriageway - I had to do a double take.

“I would question whether Colchester Council are being wise in allowing so much development to take place in Stanway - the inevitable increase in traffic levels will have a detrimental effect on the environment.”

Essex Police are now appealing for information.

A spokesman said: “Anyone with information can submit a report online essex.police.uk or by calling 101 and quoting 479 of 8 November.”

“Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”