A MAJOR Southend road has re-opened after an eight-hour closure following a serious crash this morning.

Royal Artillery Way was closed in both directions at around 8am this morning after a crash involving three ride-on lawnmowers and a car.

Later in the afternoon the road was re-opened London-bound but remained closed heading into Shoebury for investigation work.

The road has now fully re-opened after almost nine hours, according to Essex County Council's traffic control.

All emergency services attended the incident this morning with two people - both members of Southend Council's parks team - were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

One of those injured was airlifted by an Essex and Herts air ambulance to Royal London Hospital.

A 24-year-old man from Benfleet has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs. 

Essex Police is appealing for anyone with any information or dashcam footage to get in touch via essex.police.uk or by calling 101. 

A Southend Council spokesperson said: “Two of our parks team were involved in a serious road accident on Royal Artillery Way this morning, which was attended by the emergency services.

“We thank those in the emergency services for their swift response, and our thoughts at this time are with our colleagues and others involved. Their families and colleagues have been notified and we are in close contact with them.

"We will give further updates as appropriate."