Three men have been arrested after paramedics and off-duty police were struck while attending the scene of a crash in Essex.
Two crew members remain seriously hurt in hospital after the collision on the A130 in South Benfleet, close to the Sadlers Farm roundabout.
Emergency services were initially called after a white Nissan X-Trail crashed at about 00:15 GMT. While at the scene, a second crash involving a white Ford Transit van occurred, which led to five crew members being taken to hospital.
Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Those being questioned by police are:
- A 23-year-old man, from Canvey, on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and driving while unfit through drink or drugs
- A 29-year-old man, from Westcliff, on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a Class B or Class C drug, and being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs
- A 39-year-old man, from Canvey, on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
Essex Police said one paramedic and one police officer remained in hospital with serious injuries.
It said the crashes happened on the southbound carriageway of the A130, between the Rayleigh Spur and Sadlers Farm roundabouts.
Officers closed the A130 between Sadlers Farm and the A1245 Bonville’s Roundabout, leading to the A13, while it carried out an investigation. The roads have since been reopened.
Ch Supt Morgan Cronin, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Essex Police is with the emergency workers injured while responding to this incident – both they and their families are being provided with support from the force.”