The A1 has been closed in both directions in Tyneside following a major crash in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Crash investigators have been sent to the scene of the pile-up near Denton, Newcastle, following the “multi-vehicle” collision, the Highways Agency said. Major delays are expected throughout the morning as a result and National Highways traffic officers are assisting with traffic management with diversions in place.
On April 9, 2025, the A1 was closed between J73 (Swalwell) and J75 (Denton), with extensive police investigation work underway, following the crash at around 2:30am. In a statement, the agency said that there had been “serious injuries.” Images from the scene show four marked police vehicles badly damaged, a car on its side, and debris scattered across the northbound carriageway. One of the police vehicles had its roof torn off.
The Highways Agency stated, “Due to the severity of the collision a full Northumbria Police investigation is underway and they advise that it will be protracted.” The road was expected to be closed into Wednesday afternoon, with delays of up to one hour in both directions.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson reported that five people were taken to hospital “for further treatment.” They added: “We dispatched five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, two crews from our hazardous area response team (HART) and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road.”
A Northumbria Police spokesman stated, “Shortly before 2:30am today (Wednesday) we received a report of a multi-vehicle collision on the A1 northbound near the Derwenthaugh Road junction, Gateshead. Emergency services are currently in attendance. A section of the road is closed in both directions – there are diversions in place from the Derwenthaugh Road junction northbound, and the A69 roundabout southbound. Motorists should use alternative routes where possible.”
Details about the nature of the crash are currently unknown. It remains unclear how the crash took place or the identity of those injured. No details have been released regarding the nature of the injuries. While the Highways Agency has stated that the road will be closed into Wednesday afternoon, there is no precise time for reopening or indication if this estimate will be pushed back.
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service reported that it sent five appliances from across Newcastle and crews left the scene just before 4:00am. BBC Look North reporter Mark Denten noted that an “extensively damaged” black 4x4 was on its side, with debris scattered across the road. BBC Radio Newcastle reporter Rebecca O'Neill stated that people crossing a nearby footpath heard a police helicopter hovering over the area for a “good couple of hours” overnight.
Drivers have been advised to find alternative routes if possible. The crash hit the morning rush hour with motorists forced to navigate around the delays. Significant traffic build-up was reported, with 30-to-40 minute queues over the Redheugh Bridge and about 40-minute delays through the Tyne Tunnel.
According to the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), the crash involved a number of police cars and at least two civilian vehicles. Pictures from the scene show that at least three police cars were involved in the crash. One police car was left without a roof and three of its doors following the incident. The A1 has been shut down in both directions since the early hours due to the collision and the ongoing police investigation.
As a result of the closure, Stagecoach services have also been hit by delays this morning. A spokesperson for Stagecoach Northeast advised customers that there are “major delays to all services” due to the closure of the A1. They urged passengers to allow extra time for their journeys.
Emergency services, including the North East Ambulance Service and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, are on the scene, conducting an extensive investigation into the collision. The police have confirmed that the investigation is complex and ongoing, with no estimated time for reopening the road.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to advise motorists to avoid the area and utilize alternative routes. The Northumbria Police have stated, “Motorists should use alternative routes where possible,” as the investigation continues into this serious incident.
In summary, the A1 remains closed following a major crash involving multiple vehicles, including police cars. Five individuals have been taken to the hospital, and the full extent of the injuries is still unclear. The road closure is expected to remain in effect into the afternoon, with significant delays anticipated for motorists in the surrounding areas.
