TWO people have been rushed to hospital and motorists are facing huge delays after a crash on a Hampshire motorway.

A collision involving a car and a van happened on the M3 southbound between junction eight and nine at about 6.30am.

All three emergency services are at the scene of the incident, which is caused one-hour delays.

The southbound carriageway at junction 8 was closed for several hours, but is now full reopened. 

One lane of the M3 northbound was also closed while debris was cleared from the road, but the closure has now been lifted by police. 

A South Central Ambulance Service statement on the southbound crash said: "We sent two ambulances, a paramedic team leader in a rapid response vehicle and our hazardous area response team to the scene.

"Working with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary both drivers have been released from their vehicles, initial emergency treatment provided and both have sustained serious injuries and been taken to the major trauma centre at University Hospital Southampton.

"Diversions are in place so please avoid the area if possible or allow extra time for your journey this morning."

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "The collision, at 6.23am, involved a car and a van at junction 8, by the Winchesters services, on the southbound carriageway.

"Two people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"The southbound carriageway is closed at junction 8, as is lane 2 of the northbound carriageway.

"A diversion is in place.

"The southbound carriageway is expected to be closed for most of the morning.

"The northbound lane expected to be opened sooner.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we will update as soon as we can."

Crews from Winchester and Basingstoke fire stations are dealing with the incident along with police and paramedics.

Ambulance crews have left the scene but a police spokesman was unable to say when the road would reopen.