M11 traffic RECAP as major ‘multi-vehicle crash’ sparks huge rush hour delays

A major "multi-vehicle crash" sparked motorway chaos this evening with vehicles at a complete standstill on a major motorway/ The crash happened at around 2.45pm on the M11 near Harlow, Essex with major disruption to traffic. Traffic was held on the southbound section of the major motorway between junctions 8 and 7A, according to National Highways.

17:55Joe Smith

End of coverage

With all lanes open again and traffic moving freely, we are wrapping up our coverage of this incidnet.

Thank you for following.

17:52Joe Smith

All lanes now open

All lanes are now OPEN on the #M11[1] southbound in #essex[2] between J8 and J7A. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/ljyPe7j16R[3]

-- National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) February 3, 2026[4] 17:49Joe Smith

National Highways comment: Oil spill on motorway

A spokesperson from National Highways East has spoken to the Mirror about the crash. They said: "This was a two vehicle collision with oil spilling so lanes two and three currently remain closed for clean up.

Minor injuries reported. "No timescale yet on clean up but please follow @highwayseast on X for updates."

17:45KEY EVENT

Two hospitalised in 'multi vehicle crash'

A spokesperson for East of England Ambulance Services told the Mirror that the crash had seen two people taken to hospital. They said: "Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were sent to reports of a road traffic collision on the M11 near junction 7 this afternoon.

"Two patients were transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital for further assessment and care."

17:29Joe Smith

Police 'not required' at crash

The Mirror understand that officers from Essex Police did not attend the crash site this afternoon. Workers from the Highways agency dealt with clearing the road - the Mirror have contacted the agency for a comment.

17:20KEY EVENT

Delays of 50 minutes between J10 and J7a on M11

The latest update from National Highways says: The M11 southbound between junctions J10 and J7A is subject to severe congestion.

There are currently delays of 50 minutes against expected traffic. Normal traffic conditions are expected between 17:15 and 17:30.

17:17Joe Smith

Traffic cameras show emergency services at the scene

Pictures from earlier this afternoon shows resuce crews at the side of the motorway following the multi vehicle crash.

Images from traffic cameras show emergency services at the scene (MOTORWAY CAMERAS)17:13Joe Smith

Emergency services contacted for comment

The Mirror has approached Essex Police and East of England Ambulance Services for an update on the major crash that has seen two lanes closed on hte M11 today.

17:01KEY EVENT

Where is the incident?

The massive crash has seen drivers trapped in five-mile tailbacks with two lanes of the motorway closed, as officers try to clean spillage off the road surface and drag the vehicle onto the hard shoulder.

The crash has impacted a stretch of motorway right next to London Stanstead airport (Google Maps)16:54Joe Smith

Two lanes closed, National Highways says

Drivers are facing five mile tailbacks after oil was spilled on the carriageway, the agency has said.

2 lanes (of 3)are now closed on the #M11[5] southbound in #essex[6] between J8 and J7A. Traffic is now running in 1 lane so delays will still persist for a while yet.

We are dealing with an oil spillage which is a significant safety risk. pic.twitter.com/hkQS0R5Y6B[7]

-- National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) February 3, 2026[8]16:48KEY EVENT

Delays of 60 minutes for drivers

Traffic is held on the #M11[9] southbound in #essex[10] between J8 and J7A.

Traffic officers are towing vehicle to the hard shoulder and also dealing with a spillage.

There are now 60 minute delays and 5 miles of congestion. pic.twitter.com/Xejig5yiKK[11]

-- National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) February 3, 2026[12]

References

1. ^ #M11 (twitter.com)
2. ^ #essex (twitter.com)
3. ^ pic.twitter.com/ljyPe7j16R (t.co)
4. ^ February 3, 2026 (twitter.com)
5. ^ #M11 (twitter.com)
6. ^ #essex (twitter.com)
7. ^ pic.twitter.com/hkQS0R5Y6B (t.co)
8. ^ February 3, 2026 (twitter.com)
9. ^ #M11 (twitter.com)
10. ^ #essex (twitter.com)
11. ^ pic.twitter.com/Xejig5yiKK (t.co)
12. ^ February 3, 2026 (twitter.com)