The collision, which involved four vehicles, was reported at about 8.30am today, near the A176 junction. Emergency services rushed to the scene, on the A13 Stanford-Le-Hope bypass, which forced the A13 to close for over four hours. The road closure has caused severe delays to surrounding areas, though a diversion was put in place.

       Standstill traffic caused queues for at least two miles, according to traffic data.

       The A176 Five Bell interchange was shut because of the four-vehicle collision.

       East of England Ambulance Service said two ambulances attended the scene, with two patients being taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

       They said in a statement: “Two ambulances attended a road traffic collision on the A13 near Stanford-le-Hope just after 8.45am today.

       "Two patients were transported to Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals for treatment.”

       Other emergency services also attended the scene to move the vehicles so that the road can reopen.

       While they were at the scene a diversion was put in place.

       Diversions were via the exit and entry slip roads of the bypass.

       The A13 Eastbound reopened shortly after 1.30pm this afternoon, having been shut for well over four hours.

       Traffic website Inrix said congestion is now easing after all lanes reopened this afternoon.