TWO people have been rushed to hospital after suffering injuries during a "serious" crash in Colchester.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to the scene of a major incident in London Road, Stanway, at about midday.
One man with "serious" injuries subsequently had to be transported via road ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital, while another casualty was taken to Colchester Hospital.
A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “Three ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle and Essex and Herts Air ambulance were sent to the London Road near Stanway this afternoon following reports of a road traffic collision.”
Following the incident, police officers closed London Road in both directions at the junction with before Lucy Lane South, which was also eventually shut off to motorists.
As a result, drivers faced queues of traffic congestion, while public transport services were also impacted, with First Essex having to divert some bus services.
Essex Police has now said the closures are expected to remain in place for the next few hours, possibly impacting the evening rush hour.
A spokesman for the force added: "We would urge motorists to find alternative routes for travel.
"We would also like to appeal for a man who may have witnessed the incident and who then helped in the minutes immediately after to come forward and speak to us.
"Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information on it should get in touch.”
Like majority of those who live in the nearby community, Lesley Scott-Boutell, Colchester councillor for Stanway, has also been left shocked by the severity of the incident.
She has now sent her well-wishes to the two patients taken to hospital and praised the police for their efforts.
She said: "My thoughts are with everyone who has been involved.
"The police have been there for most of the afternoon and I think it’s important we let them get on with their jobs now to work out what has happened.”
Stanway councillor Jeremy Hagon said: "I want to thank all the emergency services for their prompt action in dealing with the incident in London Road. My thoughts go out to all those affected."
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