THE London-bound A12 reopened following a multi-car crash which saw the road closed for more than nine hours.

There had been a crash between Junction 26 at Stanway and Junction 25 near Marks Tey on Friday afternoon.

The incident saw a person rushed to Colchester Hospital.

National Highways East has now confirmed the road has reopened.

They said: “The A12 southbound between J26 and J25 near Colchester is now fully open following an earlier collision. 

“Delays clearing well in the area. Have a safe journey.”

On Friday, National Highways said the crash “resulted in a serious fuel spillage across the road surface”, in a statement on their website.

They said the road would remain closed while the spillage was being cleaned and until it was safe to reopen.

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed ambulance crews had attended the scene yesterday.

A statement said: “We were called at 2.35pm with reports of a collision on the A12 near Stanway.

Gazette: East of England Ambulance Service confirmed crews had attended the sceneEast of England Ambulance Service confirmed crews had attended the scene (Image: Newsquest)

“We sent an ambulance and an ambulance officer vehicle. One person was taken to Colchester Hospital for further care."

Meanwhile, Essex Fire and Rescue Service said it was not called to the incident.

There had been a knock-on effect for drivers around the city, with motorists on main routes including Cymbeline Way and Mile End Road getting caught in tailbacks. 

One driver on the Colchester-bound carriageway said they had seen a lorry “jackknifed across the road”.

Another eyewitness said they believed “at least four cars” had been involved in the collision.

They said: "I've just driven past in the other direction near Tollgate and the road is closed going towards London.

“It's backed up everything and is completely closed, causing chaos. It looks like at least four cars were involved."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were called at around 2.30pm on Friday February 9 to A12 following reports of a two vehicle collision.

"The southbound section of the road around junction 26 was closed whilst we dealt.

"No one was injured.

"Shortly before 4.50pm a lorry jack-knifed at the location.

"No one was injured.

"The road was closed throughout to allow for vehicle recovery."