At least two people are killed after lorry crashed into cars and exploded on A1(M) in County Durham as police say motorway will remain closed for rest of the day
- Both carriageways of the A1(M) near Durham have been closed after the smash
- A HGV crossed the central reservation between Bradbury and Carville
- The truck burst into flames following the massive collision at 6.20pm last night
At least two people have been killed and two have been rushed to hospital after a heavy goods lorry crashed smashed into cars and and exploded on the A1 motorway.
A large rescue and recovery operation was launched after the horrific crash last night on the A1(M) between Bradbury and Carville in Durham, which is closed today.
It is understood there were at least two fatalities and two victims were rushed to the University of North Durham Hospital. However, Durham Constabulary are investigating and would not comment further when approached by MailOnline.
Police appealed for dashcam footage to help explain what caused the fiery crash, which took place at around 6.20pm last night.
Images from the scene showed a lorry had seemingly collided with several cars before smashing into the central reservation, partly crossing it, and catching fire.
Wreckage was strewn for several hundred feet down the road behind the lorry. One white Range Rover was particularly badly damaged, while other cars were written off. Emergency services remained at the scene in the early hours of this morning.
This is the shocking scene after a truck crossed the central reservation of the A1(M) outside Durham around 6.20pm last night
Several cars were badly damaged while a section of the central reservation was destroyed by the truck
The A1(M) has been closed in both directions while emergency services work at the scene
The A1(M) near Durham, which remains closed to traffic today following a crash last night
The crash happened on the A1(M) north of Bradbury in County Durham last night
Durham Constabulary are appealing for information, following the smash which took place at 6.30pm.
A police spokesperson said: ‘The incident happened at 6.20pm [on Thursday] on the northbound carriageway at Bowburn.
‘It involved several vehicles, including two lorries, one of which caught fire as a result of the collision.
‘Sadly, there appear to have been fatalities. The road has been closed in both directions between Bradbury and Carrville. It is expected to remain closed for several hours while emergency services, including police, fire and the ambulance service, work at the scene.
Durham police confirmed that there have been fatalities following the tragic crash which closed the A1(M) going both directions
One truck was badly burned out after it crossed the central reservation following the incident
Several cars and two trucks were involved in the collision which took place around 6.20pm
‘We would ask that people avoid the area and plan ahead if they are travelling this evening.’
North East Ambulance service confirmed they are at the scene and this would have an impact on other areas.
A spokesperson said: ‘We’re incredibly busy dealing with this incident at the moment, which may mean other patients in the area experience a delay. If you’re currently waiting for an ambulance, please bear with us and don’t call us back unless your condition worsens.’
Highways England believe the road will be closed in both directions for several hours.
Police have issued an appeal for information and want to see any dashcam footage anyone may have captured of the crash.
Witnesses are asked to call 101 and quote incident number 332 of July 15.
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