A five-vehicle pile-up has shut a busy main road linking Kent to London.
The A2 was closed between Dartford and Bexley after the collision left at least one person seriously injured.
Police warned the road could be shut for several hours as traffic stretched back to the A223, Black Prince Interchange at Bexley.
The crash happened on the southbound carriageway shortly after 5am between Dartford Heath and the Darenth Interchange.
An initial collision took place between a Nissan Micra and a taxi before a further three vehicles collided with the scene.
A Kent Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 5.10am to a report of a serious collision on the coast bound carriageway of the A2.
“At least five vehicles are thought to be involved. The road is currently closed between the A2018 and the M25 junction 2 while emergency services deal with the scene.
“The road is expected to be closed for a number of hours.”
Police have also appealed for help to identify a taxi that was in the area at the time but its driver was not at the scene when officers arrived.
Inspector Martin Stevens from the serious collision investigation unit said: "We know that were a number of vehicles travelling along this stretch of road at the time and I am now appealing to anyone who saw what happened and have yet to speak to police.
"In particular I would like to identify the taxi driver and also a driver of a vehicle recovery lorry who we know passed the scene and I’m sure that the driver will have important information to help our investigation and would appeal for them to get in touch as quickly as possible."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538
