M1 closed southbound following rush-hour smash between Northampton and Milton Keynes

Overturned van and SUV blocking all three lanes near to Junction 15

By Kevin Nicholls

Published 20th Jan 2021, 08:24 BST

Updated 20th Jan 2021, 08:58 BST

This was the scene on the M1 during Wednesday's morning rush hour. Photo: @HighwaysEMIDS

A rush-hour smash has closed the M1 southbound between Northampton and Milton Keynes on Wednesday morning.

A Renault van and a Lexus SUV collided in the roadworks just south of Junction 15 just before 7.30am. Both vehicles overturned blocking all three lanes.

Police and fire crews from Northampton are at the scene, along with East Midlands Ambulance Service although, remarkably, there are no reports of serious injuries.

Highways England are advising those planning essential journeys to avoid the area and find an alternative route with six-mile queues and 50-minute delays on the motorway.

Traffic is also tailing back on the A45 in Northampton as vehicles heading for the motorway are forced to take a diversion towards Milton Keynes.