M1 northbound closed near Wakefield as car and HGV crash causes massive 4-lane diesel spill

The M1 in West Yorkshire has been closed northbound this evening following a serious collision between a car and a heavy goods vehicle that has left diesel spilled across all four lanes.

The closure is in place between Junction 40 (Flushdyke Interchange for Dewsbury, Batley, and Wakefield) and Junction 41 (Carrgate Interchange for Wakefield).

National Highways confirmed that the crash resulted in a ruptured fuel tank on the HGV, causing a substantial diesel spill across the entire width of the northbound carriageway.

Emergency services, recovery teams, and highway crews are currently on scene assessing the road surface and managing the clean-up.

Long delays and heavy congestion are building on the approach, with drivers travelling northbound towards Leeds and the M62 urged to avoid the area or allow extra journey time.

A full hollow triangle diversion has been implemented, and drivers are being taken off the motorway at Junction 40 and directed along local routes to re-join the network at the M62:

• Exit the M1 northbound at J40 and take the first exit at the roundabout onto the A638 Wakefield Road.
• Continue to the roundabout with the B6128 (Owl Lane) and take the third exit onto Owl Lane (B6128).
• Proceed to the traffic signal junction with the A653 (Leeds Road) and turn right.
• Follow the A653 (Leeds Road/Dewsbury Road) all the way to the Tingley Interchange (M62 Junction 28).
• At the Tingley Interchange roundabout, take the fourth exit to join the M62 eastbound.
• From the M62, follow standard overhead signage to re-join the M1 northbound, M1 southbound, or continue along the M62 eastbound.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time."

National Highways is advising motorists to monitor regional traffic alerts and check live updates via their official X feed before setting off.