A serious multi-vehicle crash involving several police cars has forced the closure of the A1 near Newcastle in both directions. The collision, which occurred at approximately 2:30am on Wednesday, April 9th, has led to significant traffic disruption across Tyneside as emergency services respond to the scene.
The crash site, located on the northbound carriageway near junction 75 and the Denton Burn roundabout, has been sealed off for investigation. National Highways has warned motorists that the road is expected to remain closed throughout much of Wednesday, with diversions in place and drivers advised to seek alternative routes.
Multiple Injuries Reported
According to the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), five people were transported to hospital following the collision. The severity of their injuries has not yet been disclosed, but the scale of the emergency response suggests a serious incident.
NEAS deployed significant resources to the scene, including five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, and two teams from their Hazardous Area Response Team (HART). The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) was also called to assist, though they responded by road rather than helicopter.
Extensive Damage Visible at Scene
Eyewitness reports and images from the crash site reveal the violent nature of the collision. Four marked police vehicles suffered extensive damage, with one police car reportedly having its roof completely torn off. A black 4×4 vehicle was also observed on its side amid debris scattered across the northbound carriageway.
BBC Look North reporter Mark Denten, who visited the scene, described one police vehicle as “extensively damaged” and noted it was located several meters away from the main crash site, suggesting the force of the impact.
Police Investigation Underway
Northumbria Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials described the investigation as “protracted” due to the severity of the collision, explaining the extended road closure.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police confirmed they received the initial report shortly before 2:30am and that emergency services quickly attended the scene. The police have not yet released information about what might have caused the collision or whether any suspects are being sought in connection with the incident.
Significant Traffic Disruption
The closure of this major route during a weekday has created considerable traffic problems across the region. The A1 is closed between junction 73 (Swalwell in Gateshead) and junction 75 (Denton) in both directions, forcing thousands of commuters to find alternative routes during the morning rush hour.
Local reports indicate delays of 30-40 minutes for motorists attempting to cross the Redheugh Bridge, while similar delays have affected those using the Tyne Tunnel. The closure has effectively cut off one of the main arteries through Tyneside, placing additional pressure on already busy alternative routes.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents living near the crash site reported hearing a police helicopter hovering over the area for “a good couple of hours” overnight, indicating the significant emergency response the incident prompted.
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter Rebecca O’Neill visited the scene and confirmed that one of the police vehicles had lost its roof entirely in the collision. The scattered debris and multiple damaged vehicles paint a picture of a high-energy impact that has required extensive cleanup operations alongside the investigation.
Diversion Routes in Place
National Highways has established diversion routes to help motorists navigate around the closure. Northbound traffic is being diverted from the Derwenthaugh Road junction, while southbound vehicles are being redirected from the A69 roundabout.
Despite these measures, authorities are strongly encouraging drivers to plan journeys in advance and, where possible, to completely avoid the area until the road reopens. The unexpected closure has created a ripple effect of congestion throughout Newcastle and Gateshead as traffic redistributes across alternative routes.
Emergency Response Coordination
The scale of the emergency response highlights the serious nature of the collision. In addition to the ambulance resources deployed, police crash investigators have been working at the scene since the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The coordination between Northumbria Police, National Highways, and the North East Ambulance Service demonstrates the multi-agency approach required for major road incidents. The Great North Air Ambulance’s involvement, even responding by road, further underscores the gravity of the situation.
Expected Timeline for Reopening
National Highways has indicated that the A1 is likely to remain closed “into the afternoon of Wednesday 9th April.” This extended closure allows for thorough investigation of the crash site, collection of evidence, vehicle recovery, and essential road repairs before the route can safely reopen to traffic.
The protracted nature of the closure reflects both the seriousness of the collision and the importance authorities place on determining its exact cause before allowing normal traffic flow to resume.
Advice for Travelers
Motorists planning to travel through the Newcastle area have been strongly advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to prepare alternative routes. The closure affects both local commuters and long-distance travelers using the A1, which serves as a major north-south artery through the region.
Public transport options may provide alternatives for some travelers, though bus services operating in the vicinity of the A1 may also face delays due to the increased congestion on diversion routes.
Ongoing Situation
As investigations continue throughout Wednesday, authorities are expected to provide updates on both the condition of those injured and the progress toward reopening this critical roadway. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by emergency service personnel responding to incidents on the region’s busy road network.
Drivers are encouraged to check traffic reports before traveling and to follow the directions of emergency services and highways officials as they work to manage this significant disruption to the region’s transportation infrastructure.