Two people have been taken to hospital after a three vehicle crash involving two lorries on the A1(M) northbound near Chester-Le-Street .
Emergency services scrambled to the A1(M) just after 1pm on the northbound carriageway at junction 62 to a multi-vehicle collision.
Both northbound lanes have been closed to traffic while a further lane has been cordoned off southbound for around one mile to allow emergency services to access the scene.
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Huge tailbacks are visible as far as Bowburn with the entry slip road to junction 61 also being closed to help alleviate traffic.
Traffic is currently using the hard shoulder in order to pass the incident.
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: "Police were called out to a three vehicle collision just before 1pm on the A1(M) northbound at junction 62.
“Officers have been joined by the fire service and ambulance crews."
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It has been confirmed two people have been taken to University Hospital of North Durham for treatment. The extent of their injuries is currently unknown.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called out at 1.05pm to a road traffic collision involving two lorries and one car on the northbound carriageway of the A1(M).
“We sent two double crew ambulances, two vehicles from the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and a clinical care manager to the scene.
“Two people have been transported to University Hospital of North Durham for treatment.”
Fire crews are also on the scene with drivers being urged to avoid the area if possible.
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