A major incident on the M1 motorway has caused severe travel chaos after a serious multi-vehicle collision forced the complete closure of the southbound carriageway.
The incident occurred between junction 14 for Milton Keynes and junction 13 for Bedford during the Tuesday morning rush hour, triggering a massive emergency service response.
Emergency Services Scramble to Scene
Bedfordshire Police, multiple ambulance crews, and fire engines were dispatched to the scene following reports of a significant collision involving several vehicles. Early reports indicate the incident was serious, though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
National Highways issued an urgent alert confirming the full closure of the M1 southbound between junctions 14 and 13, warning motorists to expect extensive delays throughout the morning.
Travel Chaos for Commuters
The closure has created gridlock conditions across the region during peak travel times. Long queues quickly formed behind the closure, with traffic being diverted via local routes.
Drivers are being advised to:
- Avoid the area completely if possible
- Allow significant extra journey time
- Follow signed diversion routes
- Check traffic updates before travelling
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery
Recovery operations are underway at the scene as investigators work to establish the cause of the collision. The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours while emergency services complete their work.
This incident marks the latest in a series of major disruptions on the key motorway, highlighting the vulnerability of Britain's transport network to serious accidents.
