Three dead and one critically injured after horror crash on the M25 between Mondeo, minibus and lorry - with two drivers arrested for 'causing death by dangerous driving'
Three people have died and two drivers have been arrested after a horror crash on the M25 involving a Mondeo, a minibus and a lorry.
A fourth person is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after the crash, which occurred near Waltham Abbey around 6.15pm on Monday and caused lengthy traffic delays.
Nine ambulances, two air ambulances, several police vehicles plus fire engines were called to the scene.
Essex Police said the collision occurred between junctions 27 and 26 of the anti-clockwise carriageway, with two drivers arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.
The M25 remains closed between those two junctions, with Highways England hoping to have it reopened before 2am on Tuesday.
Nine ambulances, two air ambulances, several police vehicles plus fire engines were called to the scene on the M25 near Waltham Abbey around 6.15pm
Police said they were eager to trace the movements of all three vehicles - a Ford Mondeo, a minibus and a lorry - leading up to the collision.
Detective Sergeant Steve Holmes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'This evening has been incredibly challenging and we are continuing to work as quickly as we can to piece together exactly what led to this tragic incident.
'My thoughts, and those of all officers on scene are with the families of those who lost their lives this evening.
'At present, two drivers have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
'I need anyone with further information to come forward.'
Emergency services have also thanked motorists for their patience in the face of delays of several hours due to the collision, which was attended by nine ambulances, two air ambulances, several police vehicles plus fire engines from Brentwood, Loughton, Waltham Abbey and Epping.
Parv Domah was among those caught up in the traffic tailbacks near junction 26.
He told the PA news agency: 'I can't tell you exactly what happened, I can only say I've been here going on three hours.
'There were approximately 30 emergency vehicles that drove past in that time, as well as two air ambulances.
'Traffic was stopped on both sides of the carriageway at one point and now the anti-clockwise is still shut.'