M11 is CLOSED after lorry topples onto a van in Essex causing huge tailbacks onto the M25 at start of half-term getaway
- Lorry and van were in collision as families tried to getaway for half-term
- Accident happened just after 12pm on M11 near to the junction for the M25
- Pictures of the crash showed a silver van with a lorry cab on top of it
A lorry crash has shut down the M11 after toppling onto a van – as thousands attempted an early start to a half term getaway.
The HGV accident happened on the northbound carriageway near Epping, Essex, just after 12pm near to where the road meets up with the M25.
Officials at the scene warned drivers they faced a wait of over three hours as vehicles and services worked to investigate then clear the scene.
The van involved in the crash was still standing despite the huge weight of the lorry cab
The accident happened under a bridge on the M11 and initially saw all lanes of traffic stopped
One motorist said: ‘Avoid M11 from London at all costs. Currently sat 20 cars away from a multi car lorry pile up.
‘Am being told there’s a three hour wait. Disgruntled but giving thanks because a nano second later that could have easily been my car. Hoping that the people involved are all OK.’
The van appeared to have managed to have stayed in shape, despite the weight of the cab
Traffic cameras showed the queues of traffic caused by the motorway lorry crash
Motorists were told to expect a wait of up to three hours while investigators were at the site
The accident came as tens of thousands of parents and children decided to take to the roads to try and get away on holiday.
Many schools break-up for half term today, with some closing at lunchtime ahead fo of the weekend.
Essex Travel News tweeted: “M11 northbound BLOCKED at J6 (M25) by an accident involving a lorry and a car.
“The northbound entry slip road from the M25 to the M11 is also blocked.
“Queues building on M11 northbound back to J5 (Loughton) and on M25 anticlockwise back towards J28 (A12).”