Massive 12-vehicle pile-up closes an entire dual carriageway causing traffic chaos

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Three people were taken to hospital today after a huge 12-vehicle collision on a busy dual carriageway.

Both carriageways of the A19 near Dalton Park in County Durham were closed, causing traffic chaos following the crash on the southbound carriageway involving two lorries at about 9.15am.

The pile-up happened at the Dalton Park turn-off near Seaham. Police confirmed 12 vehicles had been involved and both carriageways were closed for the Great North Air Ambulance to land. 

Emergency services attend the scene near Dalton Park in County Durham following a collision involving 12 vehicles

The massive 12-vehicle pile-up on the A19 closed the dual carriageway in the North East of England, causing traffic chaos

The pile-up happened at the Dalton Park turn-off near Seaham in County Durham at about 9.15am this morning

Police confirmed 12 vehicles had been involved and both carriageways were closed for the air ambulance to land

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: 'The collision happened at about 9.15am. There is currently no estimated time for the road to be re-opened, and it is advised that alternative routes are used.'

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service sent five fire engines to the scene. 

A North East Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We were called at 9.14am to reports of a road traffic collision on the A19 southbound.

'We dispatched six resources and requested an air ambulance. We treated and discharged one patient at the scene and three patients are being taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.' 

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service sent five fire engines to the scene in County Durham today

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said there was no estimated time for the road to be re-opened

North East Ambulance Service was called at 9.14am to reports of a road traffic collision on the A19 southbound

Paramedics treated and discharged one patient at the scene and three patients were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital