Motorists travelling through Leicestershire on Sunday morning faced lengthy delays after a serious collision forced the closure of part of the M1 motorway, prompting a large-scale emergency response and significant traffic disruption.
The incident occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, on the northbound carriageway between Junction 20 (Lutterworth) and Junction 21 (M69/Leicester). Emergency services, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and an air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene as authorities worked to assist those involved and secure the affected stretch of motorway.
Incident Details
Location: M1 Motorway, Northbound between Junction 20 (Lutterworth) and Junction 21 (M69/Leicester), Leicestershire, England
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: Approximately 8:00 a.m.
Vehicles Involved: Not publicly confirmed
Injuries: Not publicly confirmed
Road Status: Northbound carriageway remains closed during emergency response and investigation
Investigation Status: Ongoing
Emergency Response
The seriousness of the collision was reflected in the scale of the emergency response. Police, fire crews, ambulance personnel, and the Air Ambulance all attended the scene, while National Highways Traffic Officers assisted with managing the closure and directing traffic away from the affected area.
Authorities later confirmed that all motorists who had become trapped within the road closure were safely escorted from the motorway once emergency personnel had created a safe route. Recovery crews have remained on site while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Although emergency services have not released details about the number of vehicles involved, the dispatch of an air ambulance suggests responders were treating the incident with the highest level of urgency.
Diversions in Place
With the northbound carriageway remaining closed, National Highways implemented a signed diversion route to keep traffic moving.
Drivers travelling northbound are being directed to leave the motorway at Junction 20, continue via the A4303, join the A5, then travel along the M69 before rejoining the M1 at Junction 21.
Officials have advised motorists to follow the designated Hollow Square diversion signs and prepare for considerable delays while recovery operations continue.
Investigation Continues
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed what caused the collision. Likewise, no information has been released regarding whether adverse weather, vehicle failure, speed, or any other contributing factors may have played a role.
Investigators are expected to remain at the scene for several hours collecting evidence before the motorway can fully reopen.
Advice for Motorists
Drivers planning to travel through Leicestershire today are encouraged to check traffic conditions before beginning their journey and consider alternative routes where possible.
Traffic congestion has already built up on surrounding roads as diverted vehicles leave the motorway, and delays are expected to continue until emergency crews complete recovery work and National Highways declares the route safe to reopen.
Officials have indicated that further information about the incident will be released once the investigation progresses and more details become available.