Major Crash Shuts Down M1 Motorway in UK, Triggers Travel Chaos and Emergency Response

A serious multi vehicle collision on the M1 motorway in Northamptonshire has forced the closure of both northbound and southbound lanes, causing massive traffic disruption and prompting a major emergency response early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred near Junction 15 (Northampton) at around 5 20 a.m., involving at least four vehicles, including two lorries and a passenger van.

According to Northamptonshire Police, the crash resulted in multiple injuries, with at least three people taken to hospital one of whom is reported to be in critical condition. Emergency services, including ambulance, fire crews, and air support, were dispatched immediately, and a full road closure was put in place from Junction 14 (Milton Keynes) to Junction 16 (Daventry).

Long Delays, Diversions in Place
The crash has caused hours long delays for commuters, with tailbacks stretching over 12 miles in both directions as of mid morning. National Highways has advised drivers to avoid the M1 corridor entirely and seek alternative routes via the A5 and A43, though congestion has spread onto local roads as a result.

Transport for London and National Highways are warning that knock on effects could last well into the evening, particularly with freight vehicles already queued along the corridor.

“Crews are still working to clear the wreckage and carry out necessary investigations,” said a Highways England spokesperson. “We expect the motorway to remain closed for several more hours at minimum.”

Investigation Underway
Police have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the collision, and traffic camera footage is being reviewed. Early reports suggest that dense early morning fog and reduced visibility may have played a role, though this has not yet been confirmed. Witnesses at the scene described a “chain reaction crash” where vehicles attempted to brake too late in fast moving traffic.

“We heard a loud bang, and within seconds the motorway was at a complete standstill,” said a commuter who was traveling northbound. “It was chaos some people were getting out of their cars to check on others.”

Emergency Services Praised
Fire and rescue teams worked for over an hour to extract trapped passengers from a crushed van, using hydraulic equipment. Air ambulance crews landed on site just before 6 00 a.m., ferrying a critically injured person to University Hospital Coventry.

Local MPs and public safety officials have praised the rapid response of first responders, calling it a testament to the region’s emergency preparedness. “While the incident is deeply unfortunate, the professionalism shown by our emergency teams undoubtedly saved lives,” said Northamptonshire Police Chief Superintendent Jane Adams.

Broader Impact on Freight and Commuters
The closure comes at a particularly busy time on the M1, one of the UK’s primary north south transport arteries, heavily used by freight hauliers and daily commuters. With school holidays underway and summer traffic increasing, the incident is already having ripple effects on logistics and scheduled deliveries across southern and central England.

Several major logistics firms, including DPD and DHL, reported that deliveries are being rerouted and may be delayed up to 24 hours in some areas.

National Rail also warned of increased pressure on nearby rail services, as stranded drivers seek alternative means of transport. Additional services are being considered on West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway, though capacity is limited.

Road to Reopening
As recovery crews continue to clear the site, Highways England says full reopening may not happen until late evening or early Wednesday, depending on damage to road surfaces and the outcome of forensic investigations.

The M1 crash is the latest in a string of serious motorway incidents this summer, prompting renewed calls for the Department for Transport to review traffic safety protocols, especially in fog prone corridors and high speed zones.

Until further notice, motorists are advised to check live traffic updates before travel and allow significant extra time if using routes in or near the M1 corridor.

The full extent of the injuries and long term traffic impact remains under assessment, but the incident has once again highlighted the fragility of the UK’s major transport networks in the face of sudden disruption.