Emergency services rushed to the scene of a multi-vehicle collision on the A2 near Darenth Wednesday afternoon (April 10).

Highways England reported delays of 40 minutes or longer westbound from the A223 (near Bexley) to the A2018 following reports of a crash involving seven vehicles.

Meanwhile, Kent Police said that they remained at the scene after receiving reports of a seven-vehicle collision around 4pm Wednesday.

A Kent Police spokesperson told News Shopper around 6pm that several people had been taken to hospital in the aftermath of the crash and advised motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

The Kent Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to the coastbound carriageway of the A2 at Darenth at 4pm following a report of a collision involving seven vehicles.

"South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene.

"Several people were reported to have been injured, though none seriously.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area whilst emergency services work at the scene."

Highways England suggested that those travelling from further afield modify their journey plans to avoid the area as heavy traffic and delays continued into Wednesday evening.

Highways England said: "The A2 currently has delays of at least 40 minutes westbound from the A223 to the A2018.

"For traffic approaching the delays locally, you are advised to expect disruption with extra journey time and you may wish to re-route or delay your journey.

"If travelling towards this area from further afield, you may wish to change your strategic route, allow extra travel time and follow guidance from our on-road variable message signs and media."

A later updated posted around 6pm to the Highways England Twitter account said that only three of four lanes were now closed as Kent Police and other attending emergency services continued to work at the scene.

Highways England said: "*Update* Incident ongoing on #A2 Coastbound just after the #Darenth Interchange, only lane 3 closed now, #kentpolice and #traffic officers on scene dealing with the clean up. Thank you for your patience, expect delays #congestion..."