A DRIVER has died following a tragic crash on the M1 after suffering a “medical episode”, closing down part of the busy road.
Emergency services rushed to the scene close to Junction 40 near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, shortly after 8am this morning, following reports of a collision between a Kia EV3 and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The driver of the Kia, a man in his 70s, was given medical treatment by paramedics but tragically died at the scene.
Cops say the Kia driver is believed to have suffered a medical episode while travelling in the first lane of the motorway.
This caused the vehicle to swerve across the carriageway, colliding with the central reservation before careening into the Tiguan.
At first, both carriageways had been closed, although National Highways said the northbound side had since reopened.
The road agency said the southbound carriageway is likely to remain shut for several hours as investigation work takes place.
In a statement this afternoon, it said it expected the road to be shut “until at least late afternoon”.
West Yorkshire Police added: “The closure is likely to remain in place for some time.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.”
Cops are also now appealing for witness of the fatal collision in order to help with their investigation.
If you have any information or footage which could help, contact West Yorkshire Police by dialling 101 or using the Live Chat function, quoting reference 0329 of 2/7 in both cases.
Earlier this morning, National Highways had reported two miles of congestion heading in both directions.
Diversion routes have now been put in place for those heading southbound.
National Highways says motorists should follow the “hollow square diversion symbol” in order to complete their route.
You should exit the M1 at J41, taking the third exit at the roundabout onto the A650.
Then, using the A653, B6128, and A638, you should then be able to rejoin the M1 at J40.
Full diversion route in place
Road users travelling southbound are being diverted via the hollow square diversion symbol:
Exit the M1 at J41 and at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A650
Proceed along this road for approx. 2 miles to the junction with the M62 Motorway (J28)
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A653 (Dewsbury Road) and proceed along this road for approx. 3 miles to the junction with the B6128
Turn left onto B6128 (Owl lane) and proceed along this road for approx. 1 mile to the roundabout with the A638
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A638 (Wakefield Road) and proceed along this road for approx. 2 miles to re-join the M1 at J40
The M1 remains closed southbound between Junctions 41 and 40National Highways Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
