THE coastbound carriageway of the A2 is closed after a crash near Canterbury this morning.

A Kent police spokesman said: "Police were called at around 9:50am today to a road traffic collision on the coastbound carriageway of the A2 between Bridge and Barham.

"A 44 tonne lorry collided with a stationary vehicle then jack-knifed before going over onto its side.

"Diesel has spilled onto the coast-bound carriageway, which has been closed.

"Diversions are in place onto the A28, A299 and the A256 for Dover-bound traffic.

"Two men in the lorry are believed to have suffered serious injuries which are possibly life-threatening.

"South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Services are at the scene.

"One of the men has been taken to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

"The other has been taken in the Air Ambulance to a hospital in London."

Police say the coastbound carriageway is expected to be open again at around 7pm.

The London-bound carriageway was closed but is now open again.

Police are advising motorists to avoid using the A2.

Kent police Chief Inspector Roscoe Walford said: "We are dealing with a very serious collision and the road is likely to be shut for a considerable period as it will take time to recover the HGV which is on its side.

"There is also a possibility that the road will need re-surfacing before we can re-open it.

"We are asking drivers to avoid the area.

"If they are heading for Dover they should use the M20 and the A20.

"We would also like anyone who witnessed the accident to contact us."