Emergency services were called to the A1 following a multi-vehicle crash in Northumberland.
Police, ambulance and fire crews were called out at around 2.45pm on Monday following a crash between a tractor towing a hay baler and four cars on the A1 southbound at Shilbottle.
The road was closed in both directions to allow two air ambulances to land on the northbound carriageway, and was fully reopened at around 9pm. Follow updates here.
Here is a glance at what we know so far.
What has happened?
There was a multi-vehicle crash on the A1 southbound at around 2.45pm on Monday. The collision involved a tractor as well as four other cars.
Read the full story here.
Where did the collision happen?
The collision happened near Shilbottle on the A1 southbound between the A1068 (Alnwick South Junction) and A697 (Longhorsley turn off).
Has the road been closed?
Yes, in both directions to allow the large scale response from the emergency services to attend. There are considerable tailbacks in both directions as far as Alnwick in the north and Morpeth, to the south.
The road was fully reopened in both directions at around 9pm.
Which emergency services are in attendance?
Police shut the road in both directions while Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service was deployed to help free some of the casualties involved from their vehicles.
Two helicopters from the Great North Air Ambulance have been at the scene while the North East Ambulance Service dispatched 10 units to the collision.
Has there been any injuries?
Five people have been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for further treatment.
Three people have have been airlifted to hospital and at least two of those have suffered life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, another two patients have been taken by road ambulance.
The North East Ambulance Service said the casualties include both adults and children.
Are there any diversions in place for drivers?
Southbound traffic is being diverted onto the A1068/B1337 to rejoin the A1 at Morpeth
Northbound traffic is being diverted on the A697/B6341 to Alnwick
When will traffic be moving again?
Not for a long time yet. Northumbria Police has said the closure is expected to be in place for four to six hours to allow officers to carry out investigation and recovery work.
