The M1 motorway in Leicestershire has now reopened after it was closed for 12 hours on Wednesday (10th March) evening due to a serious collision.
Police were called to a stretch of the motorway between junction 20, for Lutterworth, and junction 20 for Leicester shortly before 18:30.
A number of vehicles – including a BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, Skoda Octavia, Ford Mondeo and a Renault lorry – were involved and a man in his 30s was left with life threatening injuries. Several people were also taken to hospital as a precaution.
Update | 07:21 | The M1 is now fully open in both directions, thanks for your patience. Traffic update at 20.17-Both...
Posted by Leicestershire Police on Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Fire crews had to cut someone from their vehicle.
People were sat in traffic for several hours with cars only being turned around at 21:00.
https://t.co/eVn1dtVd7A
— National Highways: East Midlands (@HighwaysEMIDS) March 10, 2021
UPDATE: We have now started the process of turning trapped traffic around and escorting people back down to the previous junction so that they can follow the diversion route. This is done in groups, and all drivers involved will be briefed beforehand.
After officers arrived, a 24-year-old man located near the motorway was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop. He remains in custody at this time.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hawkins, from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) said: “Our investigation into this incident has continued through the night and a number of enquiries are still ongoing.
“I would also ask that anyone travelling on the motorway around the time the collision occurred and who saw what happened, has a dashcam in their vehicle or saw any of the vehicles prior to the collision occurring to come forward if you have not already done so.
“Any information you have could assist our investigation.”