A trucker was fighting for his life today after a two-lorry crash which blocked the M25 London Orbital road in Essex.

The accident led to jams throughout the south of the county.

A Dutch lorry driver, aged 28, was due to be operated on at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. Police said his injuries - broken legs and a fractured pelvis - were life-threatening.

A Welsh driver was also badly injured. He was in a comfortable condition in hospital and was expected to be released soon.

The crash happened between junctions 27 (A12 Brentwood) and 28 (M11) in the early hours.

The Welsh lorry, with a full load of plywood, was left on its side across all three anticlockwise lanes. Its cab came to rest in the outside lane of the clockwise track. The Dutch lorry was carrying fruit and vegetables.

Police appealed for drivers to avoid this section of the M25. Anticlockwise traffic is being diverted through Brentwood and Romford, and Junction 28 was closed.

At one stage, traffic tailed back to beyond the Dartford Tunnel. At about 10am, police again closed the anticlockwise track to clear the road.

Traffic was not running freely until 4.30pm. Police are appealing for witnesses to the smash to contact them on 01245 491491.

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