A man has been arrested after a six-vehicle crash involving lorries left a woman with potentially life-changing injuries.

The collision on the A41 yesterday (August 21) between Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley has this morning sparked a police appeal.

Emergency services, including reportedly three air ambulances, rushed to the stretch approaching the M25 at 10.10am.

Herts Police originally said the crash was between two lorries and a car, but this morning said it is believed six vehicles were involved – including a white Mercedes tipper HGV and a black Peugeot.

The three Peugeot occupants – a man, child and woman – were taken to hospital, with the latter being airlifted with potentially life-changing injuries.

Maria Esquerre, who was driving nearby but did not see the “gruesome” accident, said a car had been crumpled between the two lorries and left three people trapped inside.

Footage from the scene, seen by the Watford Observer, also shows what appears to be wreckage between two lorries, and two more cars damaged close by.

At the time, Herts Fire and Rescue Service confirmed "firefighters are working to release several injured people from vehicles".

Herts Police this morning confirmed that a 44-year-old man from Ilford, Greater London, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has since been bailed as enquiries continue.

Watford Observer:

The A41 was shut for the rest of the day and the southbound carriageway has remained closed to enable resurfacing work to happen. 

At around the same time as the six-vehicle crash, Herts Police were also called to another separate one involving two vehicles on the same part of the road.

Watford Observer:

Sergeant Alex Ward, from the Road Policing Unit, said enquiries are ongoing and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“If you were driving in the area and have a dash-cam fitted, please check it as you may have recorded some crucial footage to assist our investigation," they added.

“I would also like to thank the public’s patience as the road remained closed for several hours while our officers carried out crucial work at the scene.”

Information can be reported via non-emergency number 101, quoting reference ISR 207 of 21 August 2023.