M1 Watford crash sparks police appeal as man arrested
The southbound carriageway was closed for seven hours after a white Citroen Berlingo van, grey Jeep Avenger, and white Peugeot Expert van were involved in a "very serious" collision between junctions 5 and 4 at around 6.52pm yesterday (July 9). Earlier the force said the Jeep Avenger driver, who was the vehicle's sole occupant, suffered "serious injuries", while the Citroen driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The #M1[1] remains CLOSED southbound between J5 #Watford[2] and J1 #CrickleWood[3].
Traffic caught within the closure is being turned around from the back by National Highways traffic officers. They are less than a mile from the scene now and making good progress. pic.twitter.com/3JramGffHY[4]
-- National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) July 9, 2025[5]The Jeep driver's injuries are not deemed to be life threatening, the force confirmed.
Information appeal
Sergeant Luke Morley said: "As part of our investigations, I am appealing to anyone who either witnessed the collision or was driving in the area at the time of the incident to please contact police. "If you have any additional information or dashcam footage, this could assist with our investigation."
Information can be shared online, or by calling 101, quoting Op Limestone. Driver arrested after man seriously injured in Watford M1 crashFull list of Watford Big Screen free outdoor movies for 2025Scheme that would 'slaughter' village blocked despite 'grey belt' pitch[6][7][8] Following his arrest, a 53-year-old man from London remains in police custody.
Traffic caught in the closure was not released until 8.55pm, leaving frustrated motorists stranded.
One wrote on social media: "There's thousands of people out of their cars and a number of people running across to the other side of the motorway to pee and catch lifts."
The carriageway did not reopen until shortly after 2am.
References
- ^ #M1 (twitter.com)
- ^ #Watford (twitter.com)
- ^ #CrickleWood (twitter.com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/3JramGffHY (t.co)
- ^ July 9, 2025 (twitter.com)
- ^ Driver arrested after man seriously injured in Watford M1 crash (www.watfordobserver.co.uk)
- ^ Full list of Watford Big Screen free outdoor movies for 2025 (www.watfordobserver.co.uk)
- ^ Scheme that would 'slaughter' village blocked despite 'grey belt' pitch (www.watfordobserver.co.uk)