A MAJOR motorway has been forced to close after a horror smash involving two lorries.
The M1 has been shut in both directions after the crash sparked a blaze on the carriageway in Leicestershire this morning.
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Traffic cameras showed rows of cars queued up along the busy stretchCredit: HIGHWAYS ENGLAND
Emergency crews were scrambled to the collision between Junction 20, for Lutterworth, and Junction 21, for Leicester, just before 5.30am.
Leicestershire Police confirmed the smash had left one vehicle on fire.
Images taken from traffic cameras showed rows of cars queued up as teams started clearing debris.
National Highways urged motorists to close their windows along the busy stretch due to the smoke.
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It said: “The M1 is closed in both direction following a collision between 2 lorries.
“A subsequent vehicle fire and spillage has necessitated a full closure in both directions. All emergency services are on scene.
“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
Commuters have been warned of huge delays after the carriageway was shut southbound and northbound.
Diversions are currently in place and drivers have been told to follow the hollow square signs.
Leicestershire Police said: “Police were called at 5.27am to a report of a collision involving two lorries on the M1 southbound near to junction 20.
Diversion routes
Northbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol
- Exit the M1 northbound at Junction 20 and take the first exist (west) onto the A4303.
- Continue along the A4303 to the A4303/A426 Lutterworth Road/Rugby Road Roundabout and then take the second exit from the roundabout.
- Continue westbound along the A4303 passing through a further two roundabout at Coventry Road and Magna Park to A5/A4303 Cross in Hand Roundabout.
- Then take the fourth exit from the Roundabout and proceed north along the A5.
- Continue northbound along the A5 Watling Street for approximately 10.3kms to the A5/M69 Junction 1 Interchange.
- At the Interchange take the fifth exit onto the M69 northbound.
- Continue along the M69 northbound for approximately 14.5kms to M69 Junction 2/M1 Junction 20 and rejoin the M1 Northbound
Southbound diverted traffic is also advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol
- 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/A426
Lutterworth 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.
“The collision subsequently left one vehicle on fire and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance.
“Both southbound and northbound carriageways between junctions 21 and 20 remain closed as emergency services remain at the scene.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and are to find an alternative rote where they can.”
Cops have asked witnesses or anyone with information on the crash to come forward.
The crash sparked a fire on the carriageway
