Seven people have been rushed to hospital following a massive seven vehicle crash along the M1 on the Gold Coast on Friday morning.
Seven vehicles, including a truck, crashed at Coomera on the M1 heading southbound to the Gold Coast around 5.40am.
Authorities believe a vehicle crossed from the northbound to the southbound lanes.
All seven people were taken to Gold Coast University hospital – three are in a serious condition and four have suffered minor injuries.
The crash victims include six men in their 20s and 40s and one woman in her 50s.
Three people were initially trapped in their vehicle before they were rescued.
Queensland Ambulance Senior Operations Supervisor, David Martin said the accident was one of the largest crashes of its type he had seen.
“It was extremely lucky when we were confronted with the scene that nobody was killed on my arrival,” he said.
“It would not have been a surprise – when I investigated further – to find deceased people.”
There was extensive damage to the vehicles.
“These patients are very fortunate to get away with the injuries that they have,” Mr Martin said.
Six ambulances, one critical care paramedic and one high acuity response team treated the injured.
The horror scenes shut down all southbound lanes, causing massive delays to morning traffic.
The four southbound lanes have since reopened.
There are up to 45-minute delays.
Drivers are urged to use alternative routes where possible.
Paramedics were also called to a second crash on the M1 on Friday morning after two motorcyclists collided in Ormeau, north of the Gold Coast.
The two drivers were treated for minor leg injuries.
