Four people were rushed to hospital following a crash involving multiple vehicles, including an ambulance. Emergency services rushed to the junction of the A13 and A130 at Bowers Gifford earlier today after reports of a multi-vehicle collision. Five people were assessed by medical professionals at the scene, with four taken to Basildon and Thurrock Hospital, according to the East of England Ambulance Service.

Police closed three lanes of the A13 following the incident, which saw six ambulances, two paramedic cars and an air ambulance dispatched to the junction. Photos from the scene showed the ambulance lying on its side and two other vehicles left stationary in the road.

The collision, which took place at around 3pm, was still causing heavy congestion on the stretch at around 7:45pm, according to AA Traffic News.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: “Six ambulances, two paramedic cars and East Anglian Air Ambulance were called to the junction of the A13 and A130 at Bowers Gifford this afternoon following reports of an ambulance being involved in a road traffic collision with one or more other vehicles.

“Five patients were assessed at the scene and four were transported by road ambulance to Basildon and Thurrock Hospital.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We remain at the scene of a serious collision on the A13 Southend-bound at Pitsea.

“The collision, involving three vehicles has necessitated the closure of three out of four lanes and this is continuing. Drivers are urged to avoid the area wherever possible into this evening.

“We appreciate the disruption this causes and thank the public for their patience and understanding whilst this emergency response continues.”