Major UK motorway closed after collision as 999 crews and air ambulance flock to scene

The A1(M) bear Darlington has been closed in both directions after a ‘serious’ collision on Friday, with emergency services including an air ambulance now at the scene

The A1(M) motorway has closed in both directions (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A major motorway has been forced to close in both directions following a crash, with emergency crews and an air ambulance swarming to the scene.

999 crews were called to the A1(M) between Junction 57 near Darlington and the Burshaw Interchange at Junction 58 following a crash earlier on Friday. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that the road is likely to remain closed for around four to five hours.

Reports suggest more than a dozen emergency service vehicles flocked to the scene, with one witness saying he saw 12 police cars, four ambulances, and three fire engines along the closed road.

Drivers are told to find alternative routes and avoid the area(Image: Getty Images)

It happened on the southbound side, with National Highways saying drivers are experiencing delays of up to 30 minutes and three miles of congestion in both directions.

Durham Police said: “We are currently dealing with a road traffic collision on the A1M Southbound between Junction 57 near Darlington to Junction 58 Burshaw Interchange.

“The road is currently closed in both directions while officers work at the scene. Drivers are urged to avoid the area so please find an alternative route.”

The Great North Air Ambulance Service confirmed it had been called to the collision on the A1. A spokesperson for the chairty said: “Our critical care team was activated at 11.59am to reports of a road traffic collision on the A1(M) near Darlington. We had two doctors and a paramedic on board our aircraft and they arrived on scene at 12.09pm.”

Other details about the crash are currently unknown as drivers are told to find alternative routes and avoid the area.

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