A1 crash: Four police cars and one civilian in collision sparking traffic chaos

A massive pileup has shuttered the A1 this morning, causing huge expected rush hour delays after four and one civilian car were involved in a horror .

The huge collision on the major traffic artery at around 2.30am today took place on the northbound carriageway near Denton, , as commuters travelled into work. Dramatic pictures taken at the scene show damaged and a civilian car seemingly flipped on its side, with debris scattered across the length of the road. National Highways said in a statement following the incident that the road between junctions 73 and 75 will likely have to shut beyond rush hour, with motorists asked to follow diversions.

Significant congestion has built up in the area, with traffic monitoring services showing queues stretching back from the crash site to junction 70. National Highways said in a statement that have launched an investigation into the incident, with the service reportedly advising inquiries would be "protracted".

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The organisation said: "The A1 in Tyne and Wear is closed in both directions between J73 (Swalwell) and J75 (Denton) due to a serious collision. A multi-vehicle collision resulting in serious injuries occurred at approximately 0230 this morning (Wednesday 9th April).

"Due to the severity of the collision a full Northumbria Police investigation is underway and they advise that it will be protracted. The road is expected to remain closed in both directions in to the afternoon of Wednesday 9th April."

National Highways warned in the same statement that it has not set up an official diversion route for the affected section of the A1, and advised anyone planning to travel down the stretch of motorway this morning to plan ahead. The service added that even local roads in the vicinity are "heavily congested" with the A19 also suffering major delays.

The statement continued: "There is no official diversion route for this section of the A1. As such road users are urged to plan their route in ahead using alternative roads.

"There are currently significant delays reported on approach to the closure in both directions. Local roads in the vicinity are heavily congested. The A19 to the east of Newcastle is heavily congested also as traffic from further afield is using it as an alternative to the A1."

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