The driver of a van was airlifted to hospital from the M25 motorway near Chertsey this afternoon (Monday, March 8) after a serious crash brought a large response from the emergency services.

The collision forced a temporary closure of the M25 in the area between J11 Chertsey Interchange (Woking A320, Chertsey A317) and J12 Thorpe Interchange, prompting long delays for motorists on Monday afternoon.

Images posted online showed the front section of a van crumpled in the collision with emergency service workers attending.

Surrey Police said that the driver of one of the two vans involved had been airlifted to hospital after he was cut free from the wreckage.

Two other people from a second vehicle involved in the crash were also rushed to hospital in its wake.

Responding to a request from the Surrey Comet, a spokesperson for the county force said:

"The M25 is currently closed following a two vehicle collision at Chertsey earlier today (8 March).

"The collision, involving two vans, took place around 1.50pm on the clockwise carriageway between J11 and J12.

"One of the drivers was trapped in his vehicle and had to be cut free. He (was) airlifted to hospital after the air ambulance landed at the scene. Paramedics and fire crews are also in attendance.

"The driver and passenger from the other vehicle have also been taken to hospital.

"The motorway is currently closed in both directions but the anti-clockwise carriageway is due to be reopened shortly.

"Further updates will be issued in due course."

In a statement describing the impact of the crash, a spokesperson for Highways England added further details:

"Surrey Police, Fire and Rescue, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Surrey Air Ambulance and Highways England Traffic Officers are on scene.

"The anti-clockwise traffic between J12 and J11 is currently held whilst the Air Ambulance attends the incident.

"A diversion is available for road users approaching J11. Exit the M25 at J11 and follow the route marked with a hollow triangle symbol on road signs..."

SFRS told the Surrey Comet: 

"We received a call this afternoon around 13.50pm to a report of an RTC on the M25 between Junctions 11 and 12.

"Three fire engines were sent. Two vans had been involved in a collision.

"The incident was cleared and crews left the scene around 15.15pm."

South East Coast Ambulance Service were contacted for comment.

Surrey Police are now appealing for information from the public.

If you can help, quote reference number PR/P21048329 and call 101, go to their website or DM Surrey Police on social media.