Motorists faced “widespread disruption” after 11 vehicles were involved in a crash which closed the M11 southbound earlier today (Monday, Jan 23).
Emergency services released two people who were trapped following a collision involving two vans between junctions nine and eight, near Newport.
A further nine vehicles were involved in the incident, which happened shortly after 6am.
One lane of the northbound carriageway was also shut following the accident, but all lanes were reopened by 7.40am.
Traffic is now flowing freely again.
An Essex police spokesman said: “The southbound carriageway was completely closed while two people trapped in two vans were released by fire crews.
"Both have been taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital but are believed to have minor injuries.
"The southbound carriageway reopened at about 7.40am but drivers are being urged to pass the scene with caution as a number of damaged vehicles are still awaiting recovery from the hard shoulder.
"One lane of the northbound carriageway was closed for a short time for use by emergency vehicles."
A fire service spokeswoman said: "Two people were trapped and crews used three sets of specialist cutting equipment to release the casualties by 7.14am and crews made the vehicles safe."
Queues on the southbound carriageway were reported to stretch for five miles, to Duxford.
