M1 crash near J8, Hemel Hempstead involving VW Touran

The accident happened on the M1 on the northbound carriage near the entry slip road of junction 8, Hemel Hempstead at 5pm today.

A motorcyclist crashed into the rear of a grey VW Touran.

The #M1[1] in #Hertfordshire[2] is closed northbound between J8 (#HemelHempstead[3]) and J9 (#Flamstead[4]), following a serious collision involving a van and motorbike.

Air Ambulance on scene.

More info here:https://t.co/cxhTsVAmMP pic.twitter.com/5QVdlH4ZwT[5][6]

— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) June 23, 2023[7]

Police are now appealing for witnesses and any dash cam footage of the crash.

Any information should be directed to [email protected][8], quoting the ISR number 0738 June 23.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “An ambulance, rapid response vehicle, ambulance officer vehicle, a vehicle from the Beds & Herts Emergency Critical Care Scheme and the London Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

"The motorcyclist, an adult man, who had sustained serious injuries was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital for treatment.” 

At approximately 6pm National Highways announced that all four lanes on the M1 were closed northbound between junction 8 and junction 9 (Flamstead) because of the crash.

Due to the severity, traffic was held on the southbound carriageway as well, but all four lanes were later reopened at 6.50pm.

Herts police, fire and ambulance services attended along with National Highways traffic officers and an air ambulance also landed. 

Delays of up to 90 minutes are expected on the northbound and approximately six miles of congestion is expected.

Drivers have been urged to avoid the area or take diversion routes.

Watford Observer: Traffic is being released at the rear of the queueTraffic is being released at the rear of the queue (Image: National Highways)

National Highways has announced that it is releasing traffic at the rear of the queue caught up in the backlog.

They added it will take time and be done in batches.

References

  1. ^ #M1 (twitter.com)
  2. ^ #Hertfordshire (twitter.com)
  3. ^ #HemelHempstead (twitter.com)
  4. ^ #Flamstead (twitter.com)
  5. ^ https://t.co/cxhTsVAmMP (t.co)
  6. ^ pic.twitter.com/5QVdlH4ZwT (t.co)
  7. ^ June 23, 2023 (twitter.com)
  8. ^ [email protected] (www.watfordobserver.co.uk)