Two people have been taken to hospital after a suspected hit-and-run incident on the A13 in Essex, sparking travel disruption during the Monday morning rush hour.

Essex Police were called to reports of a multi-vehicle collision on the eastbound carriageway near Chafford Hundred at around 6.45am this morning.

Three vehicles were located at the scene, but a fourth vehicle involved in the crash is believed to have fled the scene before officers arrived, police confirmed.

Emergency services treated two people for minor injuries before they were taken to hospital for further assessment.

All three lanes of the A13 were closed between the A1089 and A1012 junctions as police and highway officers worked to clear the scene and assess the extent of the damage.

Crash debris was removed during the operation and traffic delays were gradually easing. National Highways confirmed that normal traffic conditions were expected to resume around 10am.

Police Appeal

An Essex Police spokesperson said:

“We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the incident or have dash cam footage of the moments before or after the crash to come forward. It is believed a fourth vehicle involved in the collision left the scene prior to our arrival.”

How to Help

Anyone with information is urged to contact Essex Police on 101, quoting incident number 144 of March 16, or report it online via the force’s website.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The incident is the latest in a series of early-morning collisions on the A13, one of Essex’s busiest commuter routes, raising concerns about road safety and driver behaviour.