A major crash involving several police cars and at least two other vehicles has shut down a key stretch of the A1 in the North East, leaving five people in hospital.
The serious incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning between junctions 73 (Swalwell) and 75 (Denton) in Newcastle. The road has been closed in both directions since around 2.30am and is expected to remain shut for much of the day.
Crash involves police vehicles and civilian cars
Footage from the scene shows a black Volvo SUV lying on its side near the central reservation with debris scattered across the carriageway. At least three marked police cars were involved, one of which appeared to have had its roof cut off, likely to free injured officers.
Another civilian car, possibly a BMW, was also damaged in the crash. Several police vehicles remain at the scene, with a forensic collision team investigating.
Five taken to hospital after emergency response
The North East Ambulance Service confirmed five people were taken to hospital. They sent five ambulances, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer and two Hazardous Area Response Team crews. Support from the air ambulance was also requested, though it arrived by road.
National Highways described the crash as “very serious” and said a full police investigation is underway. The force confirmed the incident occurred near the Derwent Haugh Road junction in Gateshead.
Long delays and heavy congestion
Drivers have faced severe delays during the morning rush, with queues stretching back four miles northbound and one mile southbound. Motorists have reported being stuck for over an hour, with traffic maps showing widespread congestion across the area.
There is no official diversion route for this stretch of the A1, and National Highways has advised drivers to find alternative routes where possible.
IOPC not involved at this stage
Despite the number of police vehicles involved, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said it has not yet received a referral from Northumbria Police. The force continues to investigate the cause of the crash as the road remains cordoned off.
Updates on the condition of those injured have not yet been released.
