Firefighters released three people from the wreckage of a four car pile-up near Colchester.
Brightlingsea, Clacton and Weeley crews were called to a stretch of the A120 in Frating at about 4.15pm.
One person was taken to Colchester General Hospital with injuries not thought to be life threatening.
Four other people were treated by paramedics at the scene.
The crash happened on the eastbound carriageway of the road and led to delays.
Three people were trapped in two of the vehicles but were cut free and treated by paramedics at the scene for minor injuries.
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