Traffic came to a standstill on the M50 in Dublin this afternoon following a four-vehicle crash where one person was 'seriously injured'.

Emergency services and gardai rushed to the scene of a crash on the M50 Northbound at the Dundrum Junction 13 exit that happened around 3.40pm on Thursday.

Three other people, travelling in a second vehicle, were also taken to hospital as a precaution.

Motorists were advised to avoid the M50 earlier as full road closures were in place for hours - but all lanes have since reopened.

Drivers experienced 'severe delays' heading northbound and were advised to exit the M50 at Junction 15 at Carrickmines during the disruption to avoid being stuck in traffic.

In an update on Thursday night, a garda spokesperson told the Irish Mirror: "Gardaí responded to a collision on the M50 Northbound in Ballinteer, Dublin 16 this afternoon, Thursday 5th October at approximately 3.40pm.

"Four vehicles were involved in the collision.

"The passenger of one vehicle was taken to hospital with what are understood to be serious injuries. The three occupants of a second vehicle were taken to hospital as a precaution. No other injuries were reported.

"The road has since reopened.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Follow live updates below or see the latest headlines on our homepage

Clare McCarthy

One person 'seriously injured' in multiple-vehicle M50 crash

One person was 'seriously injured' in the multiple-vehicle crash on the M50 Northbound this afternoon.

They were travelling as a passenger in one of the four vehicles involved in the crash, that happened at around 3.40pm in Ballinteer on Thursday.

Three others, who were travelling in a second vehicle, were also taken to hospital but their injuries are not understood to be serious.

A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí responded to a collision on the M50 Northbound in Ballinteer, Dublin 16 this afternoon, Thursday 5th October at approximately 3.40pm.

"Four vehicles were involved in the collision.

"The passenger of one vehicle was taken to hospital with what are understood to be serious injuries. The three occupants of a second vehicle were taken to hospital as a precaution. No other injuries were reported.

"The road has since reopened. Enquiries are ongoing."

Clare McCarthy

Congestion cleared on M50 and traffic running smoothly

The congestion on the M50 northbound following the five-vehicle crash earlier today has now cleared and traffic is running smoothly.

Traffic is also running smoothing on the M50 going southbound.

Clare McCarthy

Heavy traffic remains on M50 this evening

Drivers in Dublin have been advised that there is still heavy traffic in two spots on the M50 this evening - both northbound and southbound.

According to TII Traffic, there are heavy delays northbound between the M50 Junction 16 Cherrywood and Junction 6 Blanchardstown.

Going southbound on the M50, traffic is also heavy between Junction 3 - M1 Interchange and Junction 9 Red Cow southbound as a broken down crane remains on the hard shoulder approaching Junction 9.

Clare McCarthy

M50 northbound reopened but 'severe delays' of 80 minutes

All lanes are back open on the M50 northbound at J13 Dundrum after a five-vehicle crash this afternoon.

However, motorists have been warned that there are still "severe delays" of up to 80 minutes on the motorway from Junction 15 at Carrickmines.