M1 CLOSED: Horror Lorry Smash Traps Drivers for Hours
The M1 northbound is still shut at Junction 15 after a nightmare crash between two heavy goods vehicles overnight. Motorists were stuck for over five hours as emergency crews scrambled to the scene.
UPS and DHL Lorries Involved in Serious Collision
The two articulated lorries, believed to be working for UPS and DHL, collided just before the Junction 15A exit slip road. Both were en route to Midlands parcel exchange hubs when disaster struck shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
Firefighters Battle for Hours to Rescue Trapped Driver
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue teams fought for over four hours to free the driver trapped inside the crushed cab. The first lorry smashed into the rear of the second, which was merging due to a scheduled road closure.
Firefighters brought in a crane and an aerial ladder platform to gain access, alongside specialist hydraulic cutters and spreaders. Despite their efforts, the rescue was a tough slog.
Massive Diversions and Gridlock Back to Milton Keynes
Highways England, Northamptonshire Police, and East Midlands Ambulance are all on-site dealing with the aftermath. Traffic is now being rerouted via the ‘Hollow Diamond’ diversion: from J15A, take the A5123 to Danes Camp Way roundabout, then the A5076 Upton Way to the A4500 Sixfields roundabout, and finally onto the A4500 Weedon Road before rejoining the M1 at Junction 16 northbound.
The closure is expected to last for some time, with delays reaching Milton Keynes and journey times on the affected 20-mile stretch stretching up to two hours. Adding insult to injury, another multi-vehicle crash near Toddington on the northbound M1 is causing further havoc.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel this morning as recovery and clearance continue.
