A six-year-old girl died and another child was injured in a crash on the A12 on Monday, according to Essex Police. The collision, which occurred around 10:30 BST, involved a lorry and a car on the northbound carriageway near the Colchester United football stadium.
The incident led to the closure of the road in both directions, and an air ambulance was dispatched to the scene. Vehicles caught in the closure were turned around, and significant traffic congestion occurred in and around Colchester, with queues stretching back to Marks Tey.
Det Insp Mark Fraser of Essex Police stated that the lorry driver passed all roadside tests and is expected to be interviewed in the coming days. The injured child suffered a leg injury and is recovering in the hospital.
Specialist officers are providing support to the girl's family, Essex Police confirmed. The southbound carriageway of the A12 remained open during the incident.