A serious crash on the M1 motorway in South Yorkshire has led to significant disruption, with the southbound carriageway fully closed and delays spreading to surrounding routes. The incident, which involved a single vehicle, occurred between junctions 33 and 32 near Sheffield, prompting a major emergency response.
Emergency Services Rush to Scene
All emergency services, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, were dispatched to the crash site shortly before 6pm on Tuesday, January 20. The air ambulance has since left the scene, but South Yorkshire Police remain on location to conduct collision investigation work. The closure is expected to impact traffic overnight and into the morning rush hour.
Multiple Incidents Compound Chaos
Traffic chaos was exacerbated by two additional incidents on the M1. A second collision on the southbound entry slip at junction J33 has caused further closures, with National Highways reporting it may not clear until around 6am. Additionally, a broken-down vehicle between junctions 34 and 33 has closed one lane, adding to the congestion.
In a separate incident, a third crash on the M1's northbound lanes between junctions J19 and J20 has prompted lane closures, though this is not directly related to the South Yorkshire incidents. The combination of these events has created long queues and severe delays for motorists.
Traffic Updates and Ongoing Impact
According to traffic information from Inrix, the M1 southbound is closed from junction 33 at the A630 (Catcliffe, Sheffield, Rotherham) to junction 32 at the M18 interchange. Queuing traffic is reported due to the broken-down vehicle from junction 34 at the A631 Tinsley Viaduct (Meadowhall) to junction 33.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible and expect extended journey times. The situation remains fluid, with authorities working to clear the scenes and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.
