Serious M1 crash in Hertfordshire as van flips onto side

Herts Police and the fire service were called to the M1 crash southbound, between junctions 5 (for Watford) and 4 (for Edgware), at around 1.34pm today (April 9). Two cars and a van were involved. The van, described as a Luton van - a type of box van used to transport secure loads and often used by people moving house, is believed to have been left on its side after the smash.

(Image: Contribution) Herts Fire and Rescue Service have four engines at the scene, as they work with the East of England Ambulance Trust to free a person who had become trapped - as of the last update. One person who is currently stuck in the traffic has said that people have been "walking down the traffic from miles back to have a look at what's happened".

He has also been told that it may be over an hour until his vehicle will be able to move. Serious Incident #M1 southbound between J5 #Watford and J4 #Edgware in #Hertfordshire The #M1 will be closed southbound between J6a (#M25) and J4 #Edgeware

All emergency services are on scene National Highways traffic officers are assisting with road closures More to follow.. pic.twitter.com/235mZ0bfuL

-- National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) April 9, 2025

All southbound traffic has been stopped while emergency services deal with the crash, resulting in gridlock traffic and long delays for motorists.

The East of England Ambulance Trust has been contacted for more information.

View from the traffic near the scene. (Image: Contribution)