Serious crash halts traffic on the M1

UPDATE @ 8.20am: An elderly man has been taken to hospital following a serious crash which has halted traffic southbound on the M1 this morning.

The accident, believed to involve a caravan, occurred at Helensvale, between Exit 57 and Exit 60 just before 7.45am.

Police have warned motorists to avoid the area with major delays, stretching back nearly 20km, currently being experienced.

An elderly driver, believed to be aged in his 70s, has been taken in a stable condition to Gold Coast University Hospital.

It is currently unknown what caused the crash.

Investigations are ongoing.

M1 southbound – traffic at a standstill. This is near Pimpama. The delay’s caused by a crash near Helensvale @7NewsQueensland pic.twitter.com/FMa3rn8uIE

— Tom Hartley (@TomHartley_7) October 9, 2016

EARLIER @ 7.50am: A serious crash has halted traffic southbound on the Pacific Motorway this morning.

The accident, believed to involve a caravan and multiple cars, occurred at Helensvale, between Exit 57 and Exit 60 just before 7.45am.

Emergency crews are currently at the scene assessing an elderly man.

Police have warned motorists to avoid the area with major delays, stretching back almost 12km, currently being experienced.

Serious traffic crash at Pacific Hwy, Helensvale resulting in major delays. Please avoid area if possible.@QLDTraffic

— QPS Media Unit (@QPSmedia) October 9, 2016

Hope Island Road is also experiencing lengthy delays as a result of the crash.