Two teenagers lost their lives in a tragic accident when a car veered off a bridge onto the M1 highway and collided with a van. The incident resulted in the closure of the motorway in both directions between Junction 21 and Junction 20. National Highways reported that the car landed on the southbound carriageway, causing fuel spills and necessitating a lengthy closure between Leicester and Loughborough.
A white Fiat Ducato minibus was involved in the collision and four occupants were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The driver, a male, has been released while three female passengers remain hospitalized. The two teenagers in the blue car were pronounced dead at the scene, as confirmed by Leicestershire Police.
Following the tragic crash that claimed two lives, the M1 in Leicestershire has now fully reopened. However, the road remained closed for several hours to allow for forensic investigations to be conducted. National Highways assured that there were no delays or congestion in the area despite the ongoing closure.
Leicestershire Police received a call at 1:33 pm on Friday reporting the incident. The blue car had left Gilmorton Lane towards Lutterworth and collided with the southbound minibus on the M1. Emergency services, including Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service, responded to the scene.
The closure of the M1 between Junctions 21 and 20 due to the fatal crash is impacting traffic on the M69 as well. Google Maps indicated heavy congestion on the M69 with significant delays. National Highways advised drivers to anticipate a prolonged closure on the M1 as accident investigations were ongoing.
Traffic within the closure area was being redirected off the motorway via the previous exit slip. National Highways Traffic Officers were managing traffic operations. An official statement from National Highways highlighted the occurrence of a two-vehicle collision involving a car and a van, leading to the closure of the M1 for safety reasons.
Delays were expected to persist until 7:45 pm as stated by National Highways. The closure location was between junctions J20 and J21 due to a road traffic collision. Normal traffic conditions were projected to resume later in the evening.
Reports from Google Maps and Inrix confirmed heavy traffic and delays in the vicinity of the accident site. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes and expect delays. People affected by the closure expressed frustrations over long waiting times, with some stuck in stationary traffic for hours.
Leicestershire Police and National Highways reiterated the ongoing closure of the M1 due to a police-led incident. The situation warranted caution and avoidance of the affected area to prevent further disruptions. Traffic diversion routes were provided for motorists navigating the closures in both directions of the M1.
