M1 closure RECAP: Major UK motorway shuts after tanker flips in crash

A major UK motorway has partially closed after a nightmare crash between a car and a tanker. Emergency services rushed to the M1 following reports of a collision which led to a tanker being overturned. Motorists have been warned over travel disruption due to the issue and have been told to expect lengthy delays.

17:40Fiona Leishman

Scene clear and all lanes now open

The scene is clear and all lanes are now open on the entry slip of the #M1[1] J15 northbound in #Northamptonshire[2].

Thank you for your patience pic.twitter.com/0ob89T1N1O[3]

-- National Highways: East Midlands (@HighwaysEMIDS) October 4, 2025[4]10:55Monica Charsley

More delays as 'significant spillage' coming from tanker

Motorists have been issued an update following a 'significant spillage' on the motorway. Drivers have been told to expect more delays after a spillage was seen coming from the tanker. National Highways said: "2 lanes (of 4 ) remain closed within J15 Northampton of the M1 northbound in Northamptonshire.

"The northbound entry slip at J15 is also closed. Recovery of the tanker is now complete. "Contractors are now dealing with a significant spillage from the tanker.

Expect delays."

10:17Monica Charsley

Map reveals where to avoid due to traffic build-up

A map has revealed where to avoid when travelling on the motorway this morning. Drivers have been told to expect delays of up to 20 minutes.

Map reveals traffic build up on M110:04Monica Charsley

Drivers told to brace themselves for 3 miles of congestion

Drivers have been urged to brace themselves for three miles of congestion. The incident has caused lengthy delays due to the "complex" recovery procedure.

National Highways said: "Recovery is in the final stages. There are 20 min delays and 3 miles of congestion on the approach to J15."

The M1 has been closed in one direction09:59Monica Charsley

What lanes remain closed?

Drivers have been urged to consider extra travel time due to lane closures. It comes as two lanes have been shut in response to the incident.

National Highways wrote on social media: "2 lanes (of 4 ) remain closed within J15 #Northampton of the #M1 northbound in #Northamptonshire. The northbound entry slip at J15 is also closed."

09:46Monica Charsley

Police issue statement

A spokesperson said: "Two lanes of four are closed within Junction 15 of the M1 northbound in Northamptonshire. "The northbound entry slip at Junction 15 is also closed.

This is due to a collision that occurred yesterday evening resulting in an overturned tanker.

A complex recovery operation is ongoing."

References

1. ^ #M1 (twitter.com)
2. ^ #Northamptonshire (twitter.com)
3. ^ pic.twitter.com/0ob89T1N1O (t.co)
4. ^ October 4, 2025 (twitter.com)