A MAN is fighting for his life after an accident between a lorry and tractor on the A12 earlier this afternoon.

The accident which happened at around 2.30pm in the southbound carriageway near Hatfield Peveral has caused major delays in both directions.

The man was trapped in his cab following the collision, which caused the vehicles to cross over into the opposite carriageway, blocking both carriageways.

The cab of the lorry became detached form the trailer and slid down the embankment trapping the driver.

An Essex police spokesman said the lorry driver has been air lifted to hospital with “life-threatening” injuries.

Police, ambulance, the air ambulance and firefighters were called to the scene.

Four fire crews from Chelmsofrd, Witham, Tiptree and Colchester were called to help release the man.

They used specialist cutting equipment to free the casualty by 3.25pm.

He was being treated by the air ambulance doctor on the road in preparation for being taken to hospital via helicopter.

A spokesman for Essex fire service said medics had strugged to transfer the man onto the air ambulance because of his injuries.

He said the accident was causing “major tailbacks” on the A12 after both carriageways were closed to allow the air ambulance to land.

The police spokesman added: “Motorists are advised to avoid the area and take alternative routes.

“Police are working with the Highways Agency to recover the vehicles and re open the road but this will take some considerable time.”