A stretch of the A12 close to the Suffolk/Essex border has reopened after a lorry overturned and four vehicles subsequently collided in a second crash.
The road was closed for a significant time following the two separate incidents this morning.
The Colchester-bound carriageway of the road was closed for several hours between junctions 31 and 29 – for Stratford St Mary and Dedham, and the A120 Crown interchange.
Highways England said the vehicle was heavily laden when it overturned.
There then followed a second crash, involving three vehicles, and requiring the attendance of police, paramedics and an air ambulance crew.
The closure remained in place throughout the morning, but reopened shortly after 3.30pm.
The crash was first reported by the AA shortly after 4.45am between junction 30, for Stratford St Mary and Dedham, and the A120 Crown Interchange.
The outside lane of the opposite carriageway was also closed for some time due to barrier damage.
The northbound carriageway was then closed again to allow an air ambulance to land in response to the second collision.
Essex Police appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage of the collision, just before 7am outside the Birchwood service station, to get in touch.
One man sustained serious injuries and was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, while another man was driven to a local hospital with less serious injuries, after lorry, van and two cars collided.
Witnesses are asked to contact police on 101. quoting incident 153 of February 10, or visit essex.police.uk and use the 'Live Chat' button between 7am and 11pm.
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