A driver is fighting for his life after crashing into a gas main at a busy A127 junction.

Emergency services were called to the incident in on the A127 at the junction with Front Lane, Upminster at at the junction for the M25 about 6.10pm last night.

Fire crews say nearby homes were evacuated and a 200metre cordon was put in place.

The road is still shut in both directions this morning. Emergency services say there will be major disruption and the man is in a life threatening condition.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: "Police were called at 6.10pm yesterday to the A127 at the junction with Front Lane in Upminster following a crash.

"A car had left the road and crashed into a gas main. Officers attended with other emergency services The driver of the car was treated at the scene, his condition is life threatening.

"Due to significant damage to the gas main there were multiple road closures in place and homes were evacuated as a precaution."

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: “Due to the nature of the collision, impact to the road network and the impact on the wider community, the Brigade declared a major incident which has now been stood down.

"Crews worked with partners to make the scene safe as quickly as possible.

“There were road closures in place which caused severe congestion and we urged people to avoid the area.”

Properties in the surrounding area were evacuated and a 200m safety cordon was put in place as a precaution.

The Brigade was called at 1815 and the incident was over for firefighters by 2319. Fire crews from Harold Hill, Bexley, East Ham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.