COMMUTERS experienced 13 miles of traffic on the M25 after the QE2 bridge at Dartford Crossing was closed following a serious accident.

An accident involving a white BMW on the bridge at about 2am this morning has resulted in the bridge's closure due to crash barrier damage.

All of the bridge's lanes were reopened by about 12.45pm.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed the female driver of the car suffered serious injuries and has been taken to hospital.

She said: "Police were called to the bridge shortly after 2am following reports that a white BMW 118 convertible car had been in collision with the crash barrier at the side of the carriageway.

"The woman driver had suffered serious injuries and has been taken to hospital in London where she remains.

"Her passenger, a teenage boy, had also been injured and was taken to hospital. He has since been released.

"Officers are investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision and would urge anybody who may have seen the vehicle prior to the incident to contact them.

"Efforts are being made to fully reopen the bridge as soon as possible. Two lanes are currently open. Motorists are thanked for their patience."

Traffic is being directed using one bore of the crossing's tunnels.

It means that southbound traffic is queuing back as far as junction 28, the A12.

Queues of up to two miles have also been reported on the A127, from its junction with the M25 to Dunton. 

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash, and are investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision.

Anybody that can help is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 42 of August 17.