THE drivers of two HGVs and two cars escaped serious injuries after colliding into each other on the A1(M) in North Yorkshire.
There were tailbacks stretching up to 12 miles following the incident on the southbound carriageway at 9.30am on Friday.
The incident is understood to have happened shortly after the vehicles left the 50mph motorway upgrade speed restriction zone.
One lane of the carriageway was closed between A6136 (Catterick) and J51 (Leeming Bar) but has since reopened. Motorists however were still reporting delays of up to two hours at 5pm.
Highways England and North Yorkshire Police said the incident had led to severe congestion and was advising motorists to avoid the area.
Kate Slater, director of Kate Slater PR, tweeted: "Stuck in the most horrendous traffic jam ever on the #A1 traveling South in North Yorkshire. Gridlock! Don't attempt!"
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