Motorway blocked after car crash and fire

A tank in one of the vehicles involved in the crash was ruptured which led to fuel leaking onto the carriageway, which then ignited

A section of a major motorway was blocked after a crash and a subsequent vehicle fire in Essex.

Emergency services were called to the M11 southbound between junction 7A and junction seven, both near Harlow, at 07:11 GMT.

National Highways posted on X that a van and a car had been involved in the collision which led to fuel leaking on to the carriageway and igniting.

One lane later reopened, but lanes two and three remained closed due to damage to the carriageway.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said three vehicles were involved, two of which had been on fire.

It said firefighters had been working to make the scene safe.

A National Highways spokesperson said to expect delays of 90 minutes and about seven miles (11km) of congestion on approach.

Congestion was building on the M11 after the closure