An 11-car pile-up on the M11 motorway is expected to cause major delays, police have warned.
Ambulance and fire crews are working to release two people trapped in two of the vehicles after emergency services were called to the crash near Newport in Essex just after 6am.
The southbound carriageway between junctions eight and nine has been closed.
An Essex Police spokesman said: "One of the northbound lanes has been closed for emergency vehicle use.
"Widespread disruption is expected during the rush-hour and drivers are advised to use other routes."