M1 crash: Five injured and two 'critical' after multi-car crash closes M1 on Christmas Eve

Empty: the road was closed in both directions after the crash at 2.33am
Tom Powell24 December 2016

A man is fighting for his life in hospital after a multi-car pile-up which has closed the M1 motorway heading to London.

Hundreds of thousands of motorists embarking on Christmas getaways are now facing severe delays after the major accident at 2.33am in Bedfordshire.

At least five people were injured in the crash between junctions 12 and 13, with two thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries.

One man, in his 20s, was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington where he remains “critical” after suffering a head injury.

Drivers are being warned of severe delays, particularly heading to Luton Airport and London, as the southbound M1 remained closed at 11am.

A diversion has been put in place while the northbound stretch of motorway was reopened but with only two lanes.

A spokeswoman for Bedfordshire police said: "Several people were injured and have been taken to hospital for treatment. Two people are thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries while a number of others are being treated for less serious injuries."

A Highways England spokesman said: “A signed diversion route is in place and drivers planning to travel to Luton airport are advised to allow extra time and to plan their journeys.

“Traffic for London is advised to use the A14/A1 and drivers heading towards the Midlands are being advised to use the M40.”

The southband carriageway of the M1 is expected to be closed until around 4pm.

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