Motorist dies in M1 crash involving lorry

A man has died after his VW Golf was involved in a collision with a lorry on the M1[1] in Leicestershire earlier today (Sunday, March 16). The crash happened at 4.40am and shut a short section of the motorway in both directions for most of the day. Leicestershire Police[2] have appealed for any witnesses to the crash, which happened at junction 22 near Markfield.

Police said in their appeal this afternoon: "Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision on the M1 motorway. "Police received a call at 4.40am this morning following a report of a collision on the southbound carriageway near to junction 22, which involved a white VW Golf and a Leyland DAF HGV. "The driver of the Golf sustained fatal injuries, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of HGV did not sustain any physical injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution. "He has since been discharged. No arrests have been made.

"Both carriageways were closed as emergency services responded at the scene, with the northbound carriageway since reopening. Detectives have begun an investigation into the collision and are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the circumstances leading up to it. "Any drivers who may have captured footage on their dashcams which may relate to this incident are also asked to contact us.

If you have any information which may assist our investigation, please contact us on 101 quoting incident 88 of 16 March." The queue on the southbound M1 was about two miles long for much of the day as traffic queued to exit the motorway at junction 22 before rejoining at the sliproad back on to the M1. The Inrix traffic service reported that the southbound remained closed throughout the afternoon due to barrier repair work being undertaken.

In a post on X on Sunday morning National Highways said: "The M1 is closed in both directions within J22 near Markfield (just north of Leicester). Closure is due to a v serious collision. "@leicspolice + an ambulance are in attendance.

Traffic is diverted to leave/rejoin the M1 via the exit/entry slip roads at J22 (both ways)."

References

1. ^ the M1 (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
2. ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
3. ^ M1 J22 live updates after 'very serious' collision shuts road in both directions (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)