M1 closed for several hours between junctions 39 and 40 near Wakefield after accident

The M1 was closed for several hours in West Yorkshire following a "serious collision" involving three lorries.

The incident happened between junctions 40 and 39 on the southbound carriageway, near Wakefield, at around 10.15am on Tuesday.

The northbound side of the motorway was also closed. Diversions were put in place.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services were called to junction 40 of the M1 southbound today to a report of a collision involving three HGV’s

"A passenger was found to be in a serious condition in one of the HGVs and was given emergency treatment."

Road side cameras showed long queues at the scene.

Motorists stuck in the tailbacks reported a large number of emergency services vehicles in attendance.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

The Northbound carriageway reopened at around midday with the Southbound carriageway around three hours later.