THOUSANDS of motorists faced hours of traffic chaos after a lorry crashed through a central reservation and collided into two cars on the M40.

The accident closed the motorway in both directions between junctions three and four, leading to tailbacks stretching back to the M25 on Thursday.

Vehicles caused gridlock in Beaconsfield and High Wycombe as traffic was diverted through the A40.

Traffic jams lasted into the evening with drivers still queuing up to the M25 at 11.30pm.

The HGV, travelling to London, was towing a trailer when it crossed the motorway and collided with a Ford Granada and a Land Rover Discovery at around 1.20pm.

An air-ambulance transported the driver of the Ford Granada to hospital after he suffered a fractured leg and internal injuries.

The 42-year-old man was flown to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where his condition is described as serious but stable.

A 46-year-old woman and her 14-year-old girl, travelling in the Land Rover, were taken to Wycombe Hospital, suffering from shock and a cut to the elbow and a minor injury to the jaw.

The 22-year-old lorry driver escaped with whiplash and was taken to Wycombe Hospital.

Simon Griffin, of Bullocks Farm Lane, Wheeler End, took five hours from getting on the M40 to coming off at Loudwater.

He complained that no information was given out to assist drivers but WPC Sam Byrne said police immediately put notices on the M25 and M40 warning drivers.

A lane southbound on the M40 was opened around 2.30pm with more lanes open at 11.30pm.

The whole of the motorway did not fully open until 5am on Friday while the lorry and its load were recovered from the carriageway.

Accident investigators also spent time working out how the crash occurred.

Witnesses should call WPC Sam Byrne of Amersham Traffic on 01494 465888.