A serious crash involving multiple police vehicles has caused significant disruption on the A1 in Newcastle, leading to major delays and road closures. The incident occurred just before 2:30 AM BST on April 9, 2025, near junction 75 at Denton Burn, when police were reportedly pursuing a car that had failed to stop.
According to Northumbria Police, officers attempted to stop a dark grey BMW M Sport due to concerns about its driving. After the vehicle fled, police initiated a pursuit that ultimately led to the crash involving several police cars. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as "absolute carnage," with debris scattered across the road and vehicles severely damaged.
Images from the scene depict four marked police cars, one of which had its roof torn off, alongside an unmarked vehicle that was overturned. A black BMW, believed to be a civilian car, was also involved in the collision. The crash resulted in serious injuries, with five individuals, including at least one police officer, requiring hospitalization.
The North East Ambulance Service responded promptly, dispatching five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, and a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to the scene. A spokesperson for the ambulance service confirmed that five patients were transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Great North Air Ambulance Service was also activated to assist in the emergency response.
As the situation unfolded, the A1 was closed in both directions between junctions 73 (Swalwell) and 75 (Denton), with National Highways reporting that the road would remain shut into the afternoon. The extensive closure has caused significant traffic delays, with motorists facing queues of up to 40 minutes over the Redheugh Bridge and additional delays through the Tyne Tunnel.
Residents living nearby expressed their shock over the incident, with one local describing the noise of helicopters circling overhead in the early hours, indicating the severity of the situation. Another resident recounted hearing a loud bang just after 2 AM, leading them to believe a serious accident had occurred.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also responded to the incident, sending five appliances and two officers to assist at the scene. Crews arrived shortly after the crash was reported and worked alongside police and ambulance services to manage the situation. They remained on-site until approximately 4 AM.
National Highways has advised drivers to seek alternative routes as the road closure has resulted in heavy congestion in the surrounding areas. Traffic maps indicate that local roads are heavily congested as motorists divert from the A1, with the A19 to the east of Newcastle also experiencing significant traffic buildup.
The collision has prompted a full investigation by Northumbria Police, who have indicated that the inquiry will be "protracted" due to the complexity of the incident. Officers from the Roads Policing Unit are conducting the investigation, and evidence markers have been placed throughout the crash site as part of their thorough examination.
As of now, there is no estimated time for the reopening of the A1. Highways England has stated that the road is expected to remain closed until at least the afternoon, and motorists are urged to check for updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
In summary, this serious incident on the A1 has not only impacted traffic flow but also raised concerns about the safety of police pursuits. The situation remains under investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue their work at the scene.
