The A127 was closed London-bound on Wednesday evening following a serious crash between Rayleigh Weir and the Fairglen Interchange.
The incident, which happened at around 5pm, caused long delays stretching back towards Southend, with traffic quickly building on surrounding roads in Eastwood and Rayleigh as drivers tried to find alternative routes.
A driver, Hayden Leavers, said: “I passed this and it involved a motorcyclist. A poor girl was laying on the floor, bike all mashed up. Thankfully conscious and was being seen to by paramedics.”
Sarah Hibberd, who was caught up in the delays, said: “We have been sitting in the traffic at Rayleigh Weir. It’s complete standstill. Unfortunately there are three police cars, ambulances and three fire engines. It’s not looking good.”
Another witness said: “It looked absolutely awful from the other side of the road. I hope those involved are okay.”
Julie Price shared her thoughts about the junction: “The slip road there isn’t long enough or wide enough and loads of traffic cut in at the last minute. Brakes on and then… wallop.
Dylan Mills said the motorbike rider was his friend: “My friend is okay but in a lot of pain, along with his passenger – she has sustained a bad leg injury. The car driver was at fault and caused him to crash.”
Essex Police, the East of England Ambulance Service and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were all called to the scene.
Your Southend has contacted the emergency services for an update on the condition of those involved and the ongoing road closure.
Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and allow extra time for their journeys.
A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “Two ambulances were sent to the A127 near Thundersley following reports of a road traffic collision. Two patients were transported to Southend University Hospital.”
KEY UPDATE: The mother of the motorcyclist has given an update on his and his girlfriend’s condition, who was a passenger on the motorcycle. Although at least one of them will need surgery, they appear to have both escaped with no major injuries.
Michelle Reed said: “This was my son and his girlfriend. Both are lucky to have survived this. Decent helmets are a godsend. A car indicated and pulled straight out into them and they hit into another car. You cannot pull straight out as you indicate – you must check for bikers!
“If the driver had looked before he pulled out then he would have seen the great big orange/red motorbike at his side! It’s hard to miss due to its colour! A few seconds looking can literally save lives!”
POLICE UPDATE: A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers were called to a collision between a car and a motorcycle on the A127 near Rayleigh Weir, shortly before 5.20pm on Wednesday 24 September.
“One casualty suffered serious injuries, which are not life-threatening or life-changing, and was left in the care of the ambulance service.”