TWO people have been airlifted to hospital after a major accident which shut the A127 for nearly six hours.

A crash at about 2.15pm, involving three vehicles closed the road between the A128 at West Horndon and the B186 at Warley.

The accident took place on the Southend-bound carriageway, but the London-bound carriageway was also closed to allow the air ambulance to land at the scene.

One of the casualties was a woman who had to be cut free from her car.

The London-bound carriageway reopened shortly before 4.30pm.

At about 8pm, Essex Police confirmed the Southend-bound carriageway had fully reopened.

Four people were in the vehicles, of which three were injured.

An ambulance service spokesman said: "Two were airlifted to the Royal London Hospital, both in a serious condition and in separate air ambulances.

“The third patient was taken via land to Royal London Hospital.

“A fourth patient was uninjured.”

The spokesman confirmed three ambulance crews, two rapid response vehicles, two air ambulances and two ambulance officers were called to the scene.

Essex Police warned drivers on the London-bound carriageway they would be reported if they were seen taking photos of the crash scene.

A police spokesman said: "Motorists are advised that the Southend bound section of the A127 will be closed for some time and are urged to seek alternative routes during the approaching rush hour."