A STRETCH of the M11 motorway reopened this morning after a collision closed the road.

A STRETCH of the M11 motorway reopened this morning after a collision closed the road.

The closure caused major delays for motorists travelling to Stansted Airport after a Volvo articulated lorry crossed over the central reservation near Junction 8 and went onto its side.

Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected until around 7am for emergency roadworks to be carried out following the crash.

Three cars were also involved in the accident, which happened at around 5.10pm yesterday, leading to massive tailbacks on both northbound and southbound carriageways.

A grey Peugeot also overturned and another Peugeot and BMW travelling in the opposite direction were struck by the lorry.

Three people received serious injuries including the 54-year-old lorry driver, from Basildon, who was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, with a deep cut to his head, possible broken shoulder and broken ribs.

A 26-year old male passenger in one of the Peugeot's, from Forrest Gate, East London, received hand and foot injuries, while the 59-year-old male driver of the other Peugeot was treated at the scene for bruising and cuts.

The road was eventually closed in both directions with a diversion in place but reopened early this morning.

The incident left one man trapped and a large diesel spillage on the road. Fire crews released the man at 5.49pm using cutting equipment.

Graham Bryson, of Essex Police, said: “It caused quite a few tailbacks. I would imagine it has not been a pleasant experience for motorists.”

Road policing officers are appealing for witnesses to the crash.

Police are considering that there was another car involved that failed to stop at the scene.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Chigwell Road Policing officers on 0300 333 4444.