Seven-vehicle crash on M1 in Northamptonshire leaves one person dead and four in hospital

One person has died and four others are in hospital after a seven-vehicle crash which closed the M1 motorway for more than 12 hours.

The road was shut in both directions overnight in Northamptonshire, with the northbound carriageway finally reopening just after 1pm on Thursday.

The crash happened at around midnight on Wednesday between junctions 15 for Northampton and 15A for Towcester.

It involved three lorries, three cars and a van, and Northamptonshire Police are now appealing for witnesses to the collision.

On Thursday afternoon, officers confirmed that one person had died in the crash.

Diversions were been put in place, with delays of up to an hour being reported on the approach to the road closure.

Screens were been erected by police as they examined the scene and cleared debris.

East Midlands Ambulance Service said that a paramedic, four ambulances and a doctor had been sent to the crash.

One patient was taken to Coventry and Warwickshire University Hospital and three patients to Northampton General Hospital.

The extent of their injuries is not known.

National Highways said: “Northamptonshire Police are currently leading the response to a serious multiple vehicle collision which took place at midnight.“Police are carrying out collision investigations, the road is expected to remain closed throughout the morning.

"National Highways have resources on standby to carry out carriageway clear up and assessment works due to reports of a fuel spillage at scene. “

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