A THREE-CAR collision caused major traffic chaos on the M1 yesterday (Monday).

The M1 was closed in both directions between junctions five and six until early evening while a woman was cut from her car and airlifted to hospital.

The accident occurred at 2.20pm when the 46-year-old driver of a Skoda Felica van was involved in a minor collision with a red van.

A short distance later the driver, from St Albans, collided with a white Vauxhall Corsa, which left the carriageway and went down the embankment before colliding with a large tree. The Skoda van came to a stop 400 metres down the motorway.

The driver of the Corsa, a woman in her 30's from Hemel Hempstead, was airlifted to Royal London Hospital with serious head, spinal and abdominal injuries. Her condition is described as critical but stable.

The driver of the Skoda van was taken to Watford General Hospital.

Firefighters from Watford and Garston were called to the scene at 2.32pm.

Three fire engines and an emergency rescue tender from Hertfordshire County Council attended the accident.

Firefighters took 80 minutes to free the woman driver from her car. She had been trapped by her head when the roof of the car had caved in on impact.

The firefighters removed the roof of the car to allow the air ambulance access.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses are asked to telephone PC Derek Grey on 01923 472388.