Authorities says two HGVs collided between junctions 12 and 13 near Milton Keynes

This article is more than 8 months old

This article is more than 8 months old

A section of the M1 motorway has been closed in both directions after a serious crash involving two lorries.

Highways England said the northbound and southbound carriageways between junction 12 at Flitwick and 13 near Milton Keynes were closed on Saturday morning. Two HGVs crashed on the motorway’s southbound carriageway at about 6.40am.

Bedfordshire police said in a tweet that emergency services were at the scene of a serious collision on the M1 and advised motorists to find alternative routes.

A Highways England spokeswoman said at 10am that the southbound carriageway was likely to be closed for several hours. “Police investigations are still taking place,” she said. “Police have also asked for the northbound carriageway to close while recovery takes place.”

Highways England advised drivers attending the FA Cup match between Fulham and Aston Villa to use the M40 if travelling from Birmingham.

The East of England ambulance service said three of its hazardous area response Teams were at the scene, along with an ambulance and air ambulance.

The northbound carriageway was reopened at about 2pm on Saturday but Bedfordshire police said the road would remain shut southbound for several hours.