M1 closed in both directions as air ambulance lands after ‘serious crash’ with drivers facing long delays
A MAJOR motorway is closed in both directions after an air ambulance landed following a "serious crash" - with drivers facing long delays.
The M1 has been shut southbound between J21 (M69, Leicester) and J20 (Lutterworth) after East Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the scene of a serious collision.
Traffic was held on the northbound carriageway by National Highways Traffic Officers to allow the air ambulance service to land at the scene.
Queues of vehicles have since been building as emergency services survey the horrific crash.
It is not yet known if there have been any casualties.
One driver posted on X: "hopefully not as serious as all the emergency services vehicles would suggest."
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Lanes 1 and 2 between J20 and 21 have since reopened on the northbound carriageway.
However, Lane 3 remains closed and there is still a full closure southbound from J21 to J20.
Cops said: "M1, J20-21 Northbound - Lanes 1 and 2 have reopened on the northbound carriageway.
"Lane 3 remains closed. There is still a full closure southbound from J21-20.
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"Please find alternative routes and updates will follow. Thank you for your patience."
Leicestershire Police issued the first alert at 9:32am, warning motorists to seek alternative routes following the motorway's closure.
They urged motorists to avoid the route or take the diversion via Holloway Square.
National Highways said: "The M1 southbound is closed to provide a safe and sterile working environment for East Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene of a serious collision.
"Traffic was temporarily held on the northbound carriageway by National Highways Traffic Officers to allow The Air Ambulance Service to land directly at scene."
The operator urged drivers to plan their route ahead and to allow extra time in case they are forced to re-route their journey.
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting website and travel apps, or via their regional X feed.
A contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
Diversion Routes
Southbound diverted traffic is also advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol:
- Exit the M1 southbound at Junction 21 and take the third exit (south/west) onto the M69.
- Continue south/westbound on the M69 for approximately 14.5kms to M69 Junction1/A5 Interchange.
- At M69 Junction 1 exit the motorway and take the first exit (left) onto the A5 southbound.
- Continue along the A5 southbound for approximately 10.3kms to the A5/A4303 Cross in Hand Roundabout.
- At the roundabout take the first exit (left) onto the A4303 eastbound.
- Continue eastbound along the A4303 passing through the roundabouts at Magna Park and Coventry Road to the A5/A426
- Lutterworth Road/Rugby Road Roundabout.
- At the roundabout take the second exit (straight ahead) and continue eastbound along the A4303 to M1 Junction 20. Then rejoin the M1 southbound.
