A serious road accident involving five police cars occurred early Wednesday morning, resulting in multiple injuries and a significant disruption to traffic on a major route near Newcastle. The incident took place on the A1 near Denton, with the crash happening shortly before 2:30 am on the northbound carriageway. The collision has left a section of the A1 shut down in both directions, causing extensive delays and significant traffic congestion in the area.
The crash scene was chaotic, with at least five police cars involved, four of which were marked, and one unmarked police vehicle that was flipped onto its side. The wreckage also included a black BMW, which was involved in the crash. One of the police cars was severely damaged, losing its roof and three of its doors, while other vehicles suffered broken windows and debris was scattered across all three lanes of the road. Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched, and glass and wreckage continued to litter the highway as crash investigators began their work.
Five people were rushed to the hospital for treatment, with reports indicating that the crash resulted in serious injuries. The North East Ambulance Service confirmed that five ambulance crews, along with paramedics and a specialist team, attended the scene. Air ambulance services were also on standby but were not required to transport patients by air. As of the latest updates, the condition of the injured individuals has not been disclosed.
The incident has caused a significant disruption to the surrounding area. The A1 remains closed between junctions 73 and 75, and it is expected that the road will remain shut well into the afternoon. This has led to long delays for commuters and travelers, particularly those heading towards Newcastle Airport. The road closure has had a ripple effect on nearby roads, with heavy congestion reported on Scotswood Road and other surrounding routes. The A19, a major alternative route to the east of Newcastle, has also been impacted as drivers attempt to bypass the closed section of the A1.
Due to the severity of the crash, National Highways has warned that drivers should expect delays of up to 45 minutes, with traffic stretching as far as four miles northbound and one mile southbound. There are no official diversion routes in place for this section of the A1, which has caused further delays on local roads. The lack of alternative routes has left many motorists with few options but to wait out the delays, causing significant frustration.
Police investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with officers from the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit at the scene. The exact circumstances leading to the collision remain unclear, but authorities have indicated that the investigation could take some time. While the police have not provided further details about the incident, it has been confirmed that the crash involved multiple vehicles and that serious injuries were sustained by those involved.
As the investigation continues, emergency services remain on the scene, and the road is expected to stay closed for several hours. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area if possible and to seek alternative routes to avoid adding to the already heavy congestion. The incident is expected to remain a focal point for much of the day, as investigators work to piece together the details of this devastating crash.
