Three arrested after wrong-way M1 crash leaves young driver seriously injured

A head-on motorway collision involving a car driving the wrong way down the M1 near Wakefield has left a young driver with potentially life-changing injuries and led to the arrest of three people, including a teenage girl.

The crash happened shortly after 11pm on Friday, 11 September, on the northbound carriageway near Junction 41. According to West Yorkshire Police, a blue Kia Proceed had failed to stop for officers shortly before it was seen travelling in the wrong direction against oncoming motorway traffic.

Moments later, the Kia collided with a red Dacia Sandero. The driver of the Dacia, a man in his 20s, sustained severe injuries in the crash. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to the scene, and the young man was rushed to hospital. Police have since confirmed that his injuries are being treated as potentially life-changing.

Arrests at the scene

In the aftermath of the collision, officers arrested three people who had been travelling in the Kia. An 18-year-old man, a 15-year-old girl, and a 30-year-old woman were all detained on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The 30-year-old woman faces further allegations after also being arrested on suspicion of driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit. All three suspects remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

Three other passengers who were inside the Kia at the time of the crash escaped with minor injuries. However, police are still searching for another individual who was in the vehicle but fled the scene on foot immediately after the impact.

Motorway closures and delays

The collision caused significant disruption on the motorway network overnight. National Highways closed the northbound carriageway of the M1 between Junction 39 and Junction 41 while emergency crews worked at the scene and accident investigation work took place.

Southbound traffic was also temporarily stopped between Junction 41 and Junction 40, causing delays of at least 20 minutes in both directions. Images from the scene showed a large presence of police cars and ambulances scattered across the closed motorway amidst building congestion. National Highways confirmed that the road was fully reopened in both directions by Saturday morning.

Police appeal for footage

West Yorkshire Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and the subsequent crash. The force has urged anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the blue Kia Proceed before the impact to come forward.

Investigators are particularly keen to speak with drivers who may have captured dashcam or other mobile phone footage of the vehicle or the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit using the 101 non-emergency number, or via the West Yorkshire Police live chat system, quoting reference number 13260519370. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.