The A1(M) has been closed near Darlington following a serious three-vehicle crash.
Police, firefighters, ambulances and an air ambulance were called to the southbound side of the major route following a crash just before midday today (September 4).
The road has been shut between Junction 57 near Darlington and the Burtree Interchange at Junction 58 in both directions, sparking major delays.
The road is expected to be shut for around four to five hours.
Here is everything we know so far on this incident.
When and where did it happen?
The crash took place on the southbound side of the A1(M) between Junction 57 near Darlington and the Burtree Interchange at Junction 58 just after 11.30am.
Who was involved in the crash and is it serious?
Three vehicles were involved in the crash earlier today.
National Highways has confirmed that the incident is serious.
Who is at the scene?
Police, firefighters, ambulances, and an air ambulance were all called to the scene of the crash earlier today.
Witnesses have reported seeing more than a dozen emergency service vehicles, with one man saying he saw 12 police cars, four ambulances, and three fire engines along the closed road.
What are the delays like and how long will the road be closed for?
The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said the road is likely to remain closed for around four to five hours.
Drivers have been urged to avoid the area and find an alternate route - with those stuck in the traffic facing severe increasing delays.
At the time of writing, there were severe delays with an average speed of 5mph along both the northbound and southbound side.
Has anyone been taken to hospital?
It has not yet been confirmed whether anyone has been taken to hospital.
We have contacted the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) for more information.
What have the police said?
Durham Police said: “We are currently dealing with a road traffic collision on the A1M Southbound between Junction 57 near Darlington to Junction 58 Burtree Interchange.
“The road is currently closed in both directions while officers work at the scene. Drivers are urged to avoid the area so please find an alternative route.”
What have National Highways said?
National Highways said: “A1(M) both directions in County Durham between Junction 58 (Burtree Gate) and Junction 57 (Stapleton).
“Road closed due to a collision. Durham Police, the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, and the Great North Air Ambulance are working on scene.
“There are current delays of up to 30 minutes on the approach, with three miles of congestion.”
The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, the North East Ambulance Service, and the Great North Air Ambulance Service have been contacted for more details.
What has the fire service said?
A CDDFRS spokesperson said: “We are currently supporting emergency service partners at a road traffic collision on the A1M southbound between Junction 58 and Junction 57.
“We were called at 11.38am today (September 4) and have three fire engines at the scene from Darlington, Spennymoor and Newton Aycliffe Fire Stations, along with two officers.
“The road is likely to remain closed for around four to five hours.”
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What has the air ambulance service said?
A Great North Air Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "Our critical care team was activated at 11.59am to reports of a road traffic collision on the A1(M) near Darlington.
"We had two doctors and a paramedic on board our aircraft and they arrived on scene at 12.09pm."
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