Motorists were stuck in standstill traffic for hours this morning (January 11) on the A1(M) southbound between Bowburn and Chilton following a significant crash at 9am.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing multiple police and ambulance vehicles at the scene.
Due to a road traffic collision southbound on the #A1M between J61 #Bowburn & J60 #Chilton the carriageway is currently closed.
Emergency services are on scene and there are no delays reported on the approach.
More to follow. pic.twitter.com/xCYTXqU35A
— National Highways: North-East (@HighwaysNEAST) January 11, 2025
One driver, Paul Donnelly, emailed us to say that the AA and National Highway estimates of delays were very wrong.
He said: “12 minute delay?? I’ve been sat on the A1 for 1 hour 40 mins
“Still going nowhere.
“Emergency service too slow to get traffic moving.”
Another motorist, named Lynne, wrote in to say that the traffic behind the crash was gridlocked.
She said: “We have now been at a complete standstill just behind the crash on A1 since 9:20. Numerous police vehicles have passed, 6 fire engines and 3 ambulances.
“There have now also been 6 car recovery vehicles also so hoping it won’t be too much longer and everyone involved get the care needed sending love.”
It was later confirmed that five people were taken to hospital.
A North East Ambulance spokesperson said: “We were called to a multi-vehicle road traffic incident on the A1 at Coxhoe at 9am this morning.
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“We dispatched four double crewed ambulances, a duty officer and a commander to the scene.
“Five patients were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital.”
Durham Constabulary has been contacted for more information.