Major motorway closed after crash as lorry bursts into flames

Drivers are facing long delays during rush hour this morning.

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A huge crash on a major motorway is causing long delays this morning (Monday, November 3). Part of the M1 is shut in both directions following a crash involving two lorries.

The collision has closed the busy stretch of motorway in both directions in Leicestershire.

National Highways has told drivers to expect delays of just under an hour as emergency services deal with the scene.

Diversions are in place. National Highways said: "The M1 is closed in both direction following a collision between two lorries.

"A subsequent vehicle fire and spillage has necessitated a full closure in both directions .All emergency services are on scene."

National Highways say they do not expect the scene to be cleared and traffic to return to normal for at least another hour.

Leicestershire Police said: "The M1 motorway has been closed after a collision which has resulted in a lorry fire

"Both the southbound and northbound carriageways between junctions 21 and 20 currently remain closed as emergency services remain at the scene in response to the incident.

"Anyone in the area, please return to your vehicles, and stay in your vehicle. Please ensure that windows are closed and air vents are turned off due to the smoke. Safe passage will be arranged off the motorway as soon as possible."

M1 Diversion route

• Exit the M1 southbound at Junction 21 and take the third exit (south/west) onto the M69.
• Continue south/westbound on the M69 for approximately 14.5kms to M69 Junction1/A5 Interchange.
• At M69 Junction 1 exit the motorway and take the first exit (left) onto the A5 southbound.
• Continue along the A5 southbound for approximately 10.3kms to the A5/A4303 Cross in Hand Roundabout.
• At the roundabout take the first exit (left) onto the A4303 eastbound.
• Continue eastbound along the A4303 passing through the roundabouts at Magna Park and Coventry Road to the A5/A426Lutterworth Road/Rugby Road Roundabout.
• At the roundabout take the second exit (straight ahead) and continue eastbound along the A4303 to M1 Junction 20. Then rejoin the M1 southbound.