Gallery: A120 partially reopens near Harwich following three-vehicle crash involving heavy goods vehicle

Major travel disruption is expected as work is done to recover three vehicles involved in a crash which left three people injured.

Police were called to the A120 near Wix at 1.45am following reports of the collision which involved a heavy goods vehicle.

A force spokesman said two people were “seriously injured” and had been taken to hospital.

Fire crews also arrived at the scene of the crash, involving a lorry, van and car, rescuing two men using cutting equipment who were trapped.

A Vauxhall Astra, a white Toyota Hiace and a white Scania lorry were involved. A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “We treated two male patients who suffered chest injuries and both were conveyed to Colchester General Hospital for further treatment – a third casualty was treated at the scene.”

The driver of the car remains in hospital in a stable condition, with the other patient released.

The road was closed between the B1035 Clacton Road and B1352 Church Hill. Diversions have been in place via the B1035 towards Manningtree, B1352 through Mistley, Bradfield, Wrabness and then rejoining the A120 at Ramsey. This route is not however suitable for vehicles over seven-and-a-half tonnes.

The road has now been fully reopened.

The police spokesman said “Operation Stack” was underway whereby lorry drivers are instructed to park by the side of the road to ease congestion.