ALL agencies involved in the clean-up operations of the M11 crash near Newport today (Monday April 6) are “working hard” to get the carriageways reopened.

Both the northbound and southbound lanes remain closed following the multi-vehicle collision - involving three HGVs, four cars and a coach - shortly before 10am.

Five people have been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. They were a man and a woman who were trapped on the coach and received serious leg injuries and three people in separate cars who have minor neck and back injuries.

The northbound carriageway of the M11 was fully closed while road collision investigators and commercial vehicle specialists from Essex Police carried out an initial investigation. It is hoped that some lanes will re-open within the next two hours depending on necessary repairs.

The southbound carriageway has also been fully closed but it is hoped some lanes will be re-opened soon.

Chief Insp Scott Egerton said: “All agencies are working hard to have the carriageways open as quickly as possible but some lanes may remain closed for repairs to the road surface and the central reservation barrier.

“There are still lengthy delays in both directions and we would urge drivers to seek alternative routes, especially through the evening rush hour.”

Contact the Highways Agency for details of the alternative routes or visit their website at highways.gov.uk

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about events leading to the collisions should contact Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.