A12 Accident Today – Motorists traveling along the A12 near Colchester experienced significant delays today due to a serious incident that caused extensive disruptions and a complete traffic standstill. The accident, which occurred during the busy morning rush hour, resulted in long tailbacks and widespread disruptions in both directions of the carriageway.
The incident took place shortly after 8:00 a.m., when emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a multi-vehicle collision near the Marks Tey junction, just a few miles southwest of Colchester. The initial reports indicated that at least two vehicles were involved, and the collision resulted in serious injuries to those involved. In response, emergency crews, including police, paramedics, and fire services, quickly arrived at the scene. An air ambulance was also dispatched to provide critical care and facilitate potential evacuation of casualties.
Essex Police confirmed the seriousness of the situation and advised drivers to avoid the area while investigations were underway. In a statement released later this morning, a police spokesperson explained: “We are currently on the scene of a serious collision on the A12 near Colchester. The road is expected to remain closed for some time while our officers carry out necessary investigations and emergency services assist those involved. We advise the public to seek alternative routes.”
Highways England immediately issued traffic alerts and worked in conjunction with emergency responders to manage the chaos. Diversions were set up to redirect traffic away from the affected area, as the traffic congestion extended several miles in both directions. Reports from drivers indicated that delays exceeded an hour in some parts of the A12. Witnesses described a heavy emergency response presence, with multiple vehicles and flashing lights on the scene. One motorist who passed by the area remarked, “It was a shocking scene. There were multiple emergency vehicles and flashing lights everywhere. It’s clear that something very serious happened.”
As of early afternoon, the cause of the collision remained unclear, and police urged anyone with information, including dashcam footage, to come forward. Investigators are currently examining the possibility of contributing factors such as weather conditions, driver behavior, or vehicle malfunction. The A12 is one of the region’s busiest roads, serving as a vital link between London and East Anglia, carrying thousands of vehicles each day. Accidents on this route often lead to significant disruptions, particularly during peak traffic times.
Today’s incident has once again underscored the vulnerability of major arterial roads like the A12, especially when such accidents occur during rush hours. Timely responses from emergency services, as well as effective traffic management, are crucial to minimizing further delays and ensuring the safety of all road users.
By early afternoon, authorities were still working to clear the scene, with no official estimate for when the road would reopen. Motorists planning to use the A12 are advised to seek real-time updates and consider delaying their travel if possible. More information will be provided as updates become available from Essex Police and Highways England.