Man Dies in Serious Two-Vehicle Crash Closed M1 in Both Directions

Motorists are facing long delays after part of the M1 in Hertfordshire was closed in both directions following a serious crash in which a man died earlier today.

Sgt Ian Manley from the Road Policing Unit said officers believe the man who died was in one of the vehicles involved in the first collision. And are still trying to find the other people who left the scene.

The accident occurred near to junction 6A for Bricket Wood. The motorway was closed from this point up to junction eight for Hemel Hempstead. National Highways said motorists faced delays of up to 60 minutes and tailbacks stretched more than six miles (9.5 km).

Hertfordshire Police said officers were called to two incidents in the area earlier.
The southbound crash involved a Kia and a BMW, while the second collision involved  a pedestrian and a van.

The 58-year-old man who was the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Appeal for Witnesses

Appealing for witnesses Sgt Manley, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this very difficult time.”
“I am particularly interested in speaking to a coach driver who was driving north on the M1 at the time of the incident and may have crucial information to help with our investigation.”

He has called for any witnesses to either crash or anyone who has dashcam footage of the collisions to contact contact Sergeant Ian Manley.

Diversions in Place

Police said the incident was having a knock-on effect to the A405 and the A414.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area and diversions are in place.

National Highways has diversions in place for motorists travelling both northbound and southbound on the M1.

For northbound traffic, motorists are advised to exit at junction 6 and follow the A414 to junction 8, where they can re-join the M1.

For southbound traffic, motorists are advised to exit at junction 8 and follow the A414 to junction 6, where they can re-join the M1.

A spokeswoman said: “Police were called just before 05:00 BST to reports of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the M1 travelling southbound near junction nine.

“The occupants of one of the vehicles left the scene before police arrival.

“Shortly after, police received a call from the ambulance service to a report of another road traffic collision involving a lorry and a pedestrian travelling northbound between junctions six and eight on the M1.

“Emergency services remain at the scene and road closures are currently in place.”

Police said the incident was having a knock-on effect to the A405 and the A414.