A1 tragedy leaves three dead and major traffic disruption as police launch appeal for witnesses

Three people were tragically killed, and another remains seriously injured after a crash occurred on the A1 in Northumberland, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Thursday afternoon on the stretch of road between Denwick and South Charlton after a collision involving a silver Volkswagen Polo and a red Hyundai i20.

Northumbria Police said the Hyundai, which was travelling southbound, collided with the northbound Volkswagen at around 2.30pm. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

The male driver of the Hyundai, believed to be in his 80s, died at the scene along with a woman in her 70s who was travelling with him. A woman in her 60s who was a passenger in the Volkswagen Polo also lost her life.

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The driver of the Volkswagen, believed to be a man in his 60s, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to the hospital for treatment.

Police said the families of those involved have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The A1 was closed for around seven hours while emergency crews dealt with the incident and investigators examined the scene. The road later reopened in both directions.

Northumbria Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit has launched an inquiry into the crash, and officers are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage.

Inspector Steven Clare, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is an incredibly tragic incident where three people have lost their lives – and one other person remains in a serious condition.

"Our thoughts remain firmly with all of their loved ones, and we are dedicated to getting them the answers they deserve."

He added: "We know this is a very busy stretch of road through Northumberland and there will likely have been many motorists passing in both directions.

"We would also like anyone travelling that route at around 2.30pm who has dashcam footage to get in touch – even if they did not witness the collision, as the footage may still hold valuable information."

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Officers have now called for anyone who stopped to help at the scene before police arrived to get in touch.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage has been urged to contact Northumbria Police via social media, online reporting forms or by calling 101.

The fatal collision comes as disruption continues on major roads across the country. National Highways has also confirmed the A14 in Northamptonshire is closed westbound between Junction 13 at Thrapston and Junction 11 near Cranford following a separate road traffic collision.

Police and ambulance crews are currently at the scene, with drivers facing long delays on the approach to the closure and on diversion routes.

National Highways said motorists should follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol. Drivers are being diverted via the A45 westbound through Raunds and Stanwick before joining the A6 northbound near Chowns Mill roundabout and rejoining the A14 at Junction 10.

In a statement, National Highways said: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

Road users have also been advised to check traffic conditions before travelling as congestion continues to build in the area.

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