Police have closed part of the M1 near Luton after a multi-vehicle crash caused a lorry to flip onto its side and spill oil across the motorway, prompting a major clean-up operation that is expected to continue for hours.
The southbound carriageway between junction 11 (Luton) and junction 11A (Chalton) was shut shortly before 8.45pm on Tuesday after the collision, which involved multiple vehicles. National Highways initially closed the stretch between junctions 11 and 12, but revised the closure after releasing trapped traffic via lane 4.
“M1 southbound near Luton closed after multi-vehicle crash leaves lorry overturned and substantial oil spillage.”
A National Highways spokesperson said one of the HGVs involved had overturned and come to rest on its side, causing “significant damage” to the nearside barrier and boundary fencing, along with a “substantial oil spillage” across most lanes. “The carriageway will remain closed while emergency services complete their response, followed by vehicle recovery, barrier repairs and carriageway clean-up,” the spokesperson added.
Bedfordshire Police and other emergency services remain at the scene, assisted by National Highways traffic officers managing the diversion. Motorists are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs. The AA’s road watch service confirmed the road is closed due to recovery work and the earlier crash.
By the early hours of Wednesday, National Highways reported that recovery had been completed but crews were continuing with the clean-up. The incident occurred only a few miles from London Luton Airport, which remains open and operating as normal. The first flights of the day, including a Wizz Air service to Tirana and easyJet flights to Spanish resorts, are scheduled to depart from 5am, meaning holidaymakers travelling to the airport should factor in the southbound diversion.
The motorway is expected to remain closed for some time while the oil spillage is cleared and barrier repairs are carried out.
