Emergency response teams are working to clear a major section of the A1(M) motorway after a heavy goods vehicle overturned and damaged the central reservation barrier.
According to BBC News, the incident occurred at approximately 05:14 GMT between junctions 60 and 61 near Bowburn, south of Durham. National Highways confirmed that all lanes were closed following the collision, which resulted in the HGV flattening the central reservation barrier.
The North East Ambulance Service responded to the scene with significant resources. One casualty was transported to hospital, and the service deployed two hazard response teams alongside a standard ambulance unit, all of which remained at the location to manage the incident and provide ongoing support.
Traffic Impact and Advice
The closure has created substantial disruption for motorists using this key transport corridor. Drivers have been instructed to avoid the affected area and use alternative routes to minimise delays and allow emergency crews to work effectively on clearing the obstruction and restoring normal traffic flow.
Overturned lorries on major motorways have become an recurring issue across the UK's road network. A similar incident on the M6 near Rugby in June 2026 resulted in extended closures in both directions, with recovery operations lasting several hours. Other recent incidents have included a jackknifed lorry on the M5 in Worcestershire that spilled diesel fuel, demonstrating the varied hazards posed by large vehicle incidents on busy routes.
Key Facts
- The overturned HGV closed all lanes between junctions 60 and 61 at Bowburn, south of Durham
- The incident occurred at approximately 05:14 GMT and damaged the central reservation barrier
- One person was hospitalised following the collision
- Two hazard response teams and an ambulance attended the scene
- Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes during the clearance operation
