A DRIVER, in his 20s, died after crashing into the metal barrier of a major UK motorway last night.
Despite best efforts from the emergency services, the man died at the scene after crashing his white Mercedes near junction 15 of the M1.
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A man died at the scene after a fatal road traffic collision on the M1 last nightCredit: Getty
No other cars were involved in the horrific collision.
Northamptonshire police said in a statement: “Witnesses are being sought after a driver sadly died following a single-vehicle collision on the northbound carriageway of the M1, near junction 15.
“At about 10.40pm on Tuesday, December 16, the driver of a white Mercedes car for unknown reason was in collision with the nearside metal barrier.
“Despite the efforts of members of the public and officers from Northamptonshire Police, the driver – a man in his 20s from the West Midlands – was pronounced dead at the scene.
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“Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit would like to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam footage that captured any part of the collision.”
Motorists have been warned of severe delays on the M1 near Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, following the horror smash last night.
Traffic officers and police were scrambled to the crash just before 11pm.
The road was closed overnight as cops probed the incident – with both directions of traffic affected.
National Highways confirmed northbound traffic remains closed between Junction 14, for Milton Keynes, and Junction 15, for Northampton.
It said: “The M1 is closed northbound between Junction 14 and Junction 15 due to a serious collision which occurred shortly before 11pm last night.
“The incident is being led by Northamptonshire Police, who have been carrying out collision investigation works throughout the night.
“National Highways Traffic Officers have worked throughout the night to clear traffic which was caught within the closure.
“Contractors will also be providing assistance with traffic management.
“The road is expected to remain closed until at least 08:00 this morning whilst investigation works continue.
“Once complete, recovery and clear-up works will take place.”
Investigations into the collision are being led by Northamptonshire Police.
As the probe remains ongoing, the busy route is expected to stay closed until at least 8am, with thousands of commuters set to be affected.
National Highways also warned rush hour drivers of severe delays coming up to the incident.
It added: “Delays are likely on approach to the closure and diversion routes.
“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.
A diversion route has been put in place, with motorists advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol.
Diversions – northbound traffic
Road users are advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit at J14 and turn left onto the A509 to the Northfield Road Roundabout.
- Take the third exit westbound onto the A509 Portway.
- Continue on the A509 Portway passing over the Pineham, Pagoda, North Overgate, North Skeldon, Belvedere, North
Secklow, North Saxon, North Witan and North Grafton roundabouts (9 in total) to the A5/A509 Portway Roundabout. - At the A5/A509 take the third exit onto the A5 northwest.
- Continue on the A5 to the A5/A508/A422 Old Stratford Roundabout.
- At Old Stratford Roundabout take the fourth exit onto the A508 northeast.
- Continue on the A508 through Grafton Regis and Roade to re-join the M1 at J15
It comes after the M61 was closed following a horror crash last night – with people “suffering serious injuries”.
The northbound carriageway was shut between Junction 5 and Junction 6 in Greater Manchester, causing hour-long delays.
Three vehicles were involved in the smash which was reported at around 3.40pm yesterday.
Traffic was being diverted as a result of the closure.
There are severe delays on the M1 (stock image)Credit: Getty
