Multi-Vehicle Crash Shuts A1 Near Newcastle
A serious smash involving several vehicles and police cars has shut a major stretch of the A1 near Newcastle this morning. Five people were rushed to hospital after the early hours crash. Northumbria Police have launched a full investigation.
Chaos on the A1: Road Closed for Hours
The horrific collision happened just before 2:30am on the northbound carriageway near Derwent Haugh Road junction in Gateshead. The road between Junction 73 (Blaydon/Consett turnoff) and Junction 75 (West Denton Roundabout) remains closed both ways. Drivers are warned to avoid the area with delays piling up across the region. Authorities say the closure could last well into the afternoon as recovery and investigation work crawls on.
Emergency Crews Race to Scene
The North East Ambulance Service deployed a major response. A spokesperson said: “We sent five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, plus two teams from our Hazardous Area Response Team. The Great North Air Ambulance also attended by road. Five patients were taken to hospital.”
It’s still unknown who was hurt or how badly, with no word yet on whether any of the injured are police officers.
Police Probe Ongoing as Scene Cleared
Northumbria Police called the crash “serious” and confirmed they are leading the inquiry. A force spokesperson said: “Shortly before 2:30am today, we received reports of a multi-vehicle collision on the A1 northbound near Derwent Haugh Road junction. Emergency services are currently at the scene.”
Photos circulating show wrecked police vehicles wrapped up in the pile-up. National Highways warned the investigation is expected to be lengthy.
Traffic Mayhem and Safety Fears
The crash has caused chaos on one of the busiest routes in the North East, sparking fresh concerns over emergency responder safety on the roads. Updates on the injured and the crash circumstances are expected throughout the day as the investigation unfolds.
