Emergency services are at the scene of a major crash involving multiple police cars since the early hours of April 9 – with no news on when the busy road might return to normal
The A1 – a major north-south route which ranks as one of the UK’s busiest roads – has been closed since the early hours of this morning (April 9) due to a major collision.
Multiple police cars were involved in the accident, with early photos showing the back of one police vehicle completely caved in, supposedly from an impact. A black vehicle can also be see completely overturned, surrounded by other emergency response cars which are equally wrecked, scratched and smashed.
Then A1 has been closed between J73 (Swalwell) and J75 (Denton) since about 2am this morning with extensive police investigation work under way. Northumbria Police are currently on the scene, but there is no estimate as of yet for a likely reopening time. Major delays are expected this morning as a result.
National Highways Traffic officers are assisting with traffic management with diversions in place.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 2:30am today (Wednesday) we received a report of a multi-vehicle collision on the A1 northbound near the Derwent Haugh Road junction, Gateshead.
“Emergency services are currently in attendance. A section of the road is closed in both directions – there are diversions in place from the Derwent Haugh Road junction northbound, and the A69 roundabout southbound.
“Motorists should use alternative routes where possible.”
Shocking aftermath pictures show that one police car has been left without a roof. It is unknown at this time whether the police van and the police car closest to the van were involved in the collision.
The A1 remains closed in both directions after the horror crash. Around three police cars which were involved in the crash still remain at the scene.
In the early hours, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: “We are currently dealing with an Incident on the A1. The road will be closed in both directions between Scotswood Road and A69 Denton for at least the next 5 hours.”
While that expected time frame had passed, the road has still not reopened as usual and drivers are still advised to plan an alternative journey.
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