A major incident involving an overturned cattle trailer has caused severe disruption on the M1 motorway in Leicestershire this morning, leading to a full closure of northbound lanes.
Motorway Closure and Incident Details
The collision occurred on the northbound carriageway close to East Midlands Airport. National Highways confirmed the incident involved a trailer transporting livestock which overturned as a result of the crash.
In response, authorities have implemented a full closure of the M1 northbound between Junction 23 for Loughborough and Junction 23a for the A42 and M42 link to East Midlands Airport. The closure was put in place shortly after 7:30 AM on Thursday, 8th January 2026.
Severe Traffic Disruption
The closure has triggered significant traffic delays throughout the surrounding road network in Leicestershire. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area if possible and to expect long queues as emergency services and recovery teams work at the scene.
National Highways is managing traffic flow and implementing diversions for northbound motorists. The precise cause of the collision is not yet known, and an investigation is likely to follow once the scene is cleared.
Ongoing Recovery and Advice
Crews are working to secure the scene, manage the livestock involved, and recover the overturned trailer. The complexity of the recovery, involving live animals, is expected to prolong the closure and subsequent delays.
Motorists planning to travel towards Nottingham, Sheffield, or Leeds via the M1 are strongly advised to seek alternative routes or allow considerable extra time for their journeys. Real-time traffic information is available via the National Highways website and local travel news services.
