Chaos has erupted on the M1 motorway in Bedfordshire following a serious multi-vehicle crash that has forced the full closure of the southbound carriageway between Junction 13 (Bedford) and Junction 12 (Flitwick) this afternoon. Emergency teams are currently working at the scene to clear the wreckage and manage the situation.
Emergency services attending the incident include Bedfordshire Police, Fire and Rescue, the East of England Ambulance Service, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance. National Highways traffic officers are also present, coordinating traffic management amid the disruption. At this time, there has been no official update regarding injuries or the exact number of vehicles involved in the collision.
To manage traffic flow, an official diversion route has been implemented via the Hollow Square diversion. Drivers are advised to follow this detour: exit the M1 at Junction 13 onto the A421 Bedford Road, then at the Bedford Road/Station Road crossroads, turn right onto the A507 Ridgemont by-pass. Continue along the A507 through Ridgmont, then take Fordfield Road and Steppingley Road. Pass Flitwick Railway Station to reach the A5120 roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A5120, pass through Westoning, and rejoin the M1 at Junction 12.
National Highways has issued travel advice urging motorists to expect delays and consider postponing journeys where possible. For live updates, travellers can check Traffic England, regional travel applications, or the National Highways Twitter feed. Additionally, a 24/7 information line is available at 0300 123 5000 for further assistance.
Originally published by UKNIP.
