The A1 in Northumberland remains closed in both directions following a serious collision that left three people needing hospital treatment. Emergency services were called to the crash on the southbound carriageway shortly before 12.30pm on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
The road is shut between the A697 at Morpeth and the A1068 at Alnwick and is expected to remain closed for some time while collision investigation work continues and vehicles are recovered from the scene.
Casualties taken to three hospitals
North East Ambulance Service confirmed that two people have been taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), with the hospital pre-alerted to their arrival. A third person has been taken to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH) in Cramlington, and a child was treated and discharged at the scene.
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We received a call at 12.23 to reports of a serious road traffic collision involving two vehicles on the A1 south near Alnwick. We sent four emergency ambulances, a specialist paramedic and a clinical team leader to the scene."
"Two patients were pre-alerted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, one was taken to Cramlington hospital and a child was treated and discharged at the scene."
Diversions and travel advice
Photos from the scene on Sunday afternoon showed long delays in the area as traffic was held and diversion routes were put in place. Traffic has since been diverted through Felton and West Thirston via the B6345.
National Highways is advising road users travelling northbound to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol visible on local road signs after exiting the A1 at Causey Park. Those heading southbound should follow the solid square diversion symbol after exiting the A1 at Alnwick and merging onto the A1068. Drivers have been advised to allow extra time for their journey.
In an online statement, a spokesperson for National Highways added: "The A1 in Northumberland is closed in both directions between the A697 at Morpeth and the A1068 at Alnwick following a serious multi-vehicle collision reported at approx 12:32."
"Northumbria Police are leading the response and have closed the road due to the serious nature of the collision, allowing emergency services to respond safely. The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours for collision investigation works. Following this recovery and clear up work will take place."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "The A1 is currently closed at Felton in Northumberland. This follows a collision on the southbound side of the road shortly before 12.30pm today (Sunday)."
"Emergency services are in attendance and a section of the road is closed in both directions. A diversion is currently in place through Felton and West Thirston via the B6345."
Campaign for dualling renewed
The collision is the latest incident to happen on the same stretch of road. In May and June this year, six people were killed on the road in three separate accidents just weeks apart.
In the weeks that followed, ChronicleLive launched a campaign - Dual the A1 and save lives - working with politicians, business leaders and community groups to demand dualling of the A1 in Northumberland.
Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "It is simply heartbreaking to see another multi vehicle crash with very serious consequences on the single carriageway A1. While the County Council is working on highlighting the campaign again I will be urging the Mayor to do all she can to help."
