A major section of the M1 remains closed after a serious overnight crash involving two lorries sparked a lengthy emergency response and a complex recovery operation.
Emergency services rushed to the northbound carriageway between Junction 16 for Northampton and Junction 18 for Crick shortly after 10pm on Tuesday following reports of a serious collision.
National Highways confirmed the crash involved two heavy goods vehicles, with one of the lorries overturning.
Police, paramedics and National Highways traffic officers were dispatched to the scene, while lanes three and four of the southbound carriageway were also temporarily closed to allow emergency services safe access.
The motorway remains shut northbound between Junctions 16 and 18 as Northamptonshire Police carry out collision investigations and specialist recovery teams work to remove the damaged vehicles.
Officials have warned the closure is expected to remain in place until later today due to the complexity of the operation.
National Highways said: “The M1 will remain closed until later today northbound between J16 Northampton and J18 Crick for Northamptonshire Police investigations due to a serious collision.”
The agency added that lanes three and four on the southbound carriageway also remain closed.
Traffic disruption has continued to worsen throughout the morning, with drivers facing long delays approaching the closure.
At one stage, congestion stretched for around three miles, with delays of more than 20 minutes reported.
Traffic officers have been managing vehicles approaching the incident while contractors assist emergency services with recovery work.
Drivers travelling north are being diverted away from the motorway via a signed diversion route.
Motorists are instructed to leave the M1 at Junction 16 before joining the A45 towards Flore.
The diversion continues onto the A5 northbound before joining the A428 and eventually reconnecting with the M1 at Junction 18 near Crick.
National Highways has urged anyone planning to travel through the area to allow additional time for their journey or consider delaying travel until the motorway reopens.
Earlier updates confirmed vehicles trapped within the closure were gradually released from the rear of the incident while recovery teams continued working at the scene.
Traffic cameras throughout the night showed long queues forming behind the closure as emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the collision.
Photographs from the motorway also showed significant congestion developing during the early hours before continuing into Wednesday morning.
Authorities have not yet confirmed what caused the crash or whether anyone suffered injuries.
Northamptonshire Police remain at the scene carrying out enquiries as part of their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The force has not released any information about the condition of those involved.
National Highways described the recovery operation as “complex”, with specialist equipment required to remove the overturned heavy goods vehicle and clear the motorway safely.
Recovery operations involving articulated lorries can often take several hours due to the weight of the vehicles, damaged cargo, fuel recovery and the need for detailed police examinations before the carriageway can be reopened.
Emergency traffic management measures remain in place while crews continue working.
Motorists travelling through Northamptonshire have been advised to check traffic conditions before setting off and follow the signed diversion route if heading north on the M1.
Officials have apologised for the disruption and thanked drivers for their patience while the motorway remains closed.
No timescale has yet been given for when the motorway will fully reopen, although National Highways has said it expects the closure to remain in place until later today while collision investigators complete their work and the overturned lorry is recovered.
