The M1 motorway in Northamptonshire is undergoing a major closure following a serious accident that involved an overturned van. The collision has caused a significant oil spill, prompting National Highways to block the road between junctions 16 and 17 to facilitate recovery and cleanup operations. Crews are currently on-site managing the situation and addressing the hazardous spillage to ensure the safety of motorists and road workers alike.

Recovery efforts are focused on clearing the debris, with authorities indicating that they aim to reopen lane 4 as soon as possible. This closure has led to a significant impact on traffic during a busy weekend travel period, with many drivers caught in the disruption. The length of the closure and delays for commuters are yet to be fully determined, as recovery teams work diligently to address the situation at hand.

National Highways has been providing regular updates via social media, keeping the public informed about the progress of the recovery efforts and advising on alternative routes. The incident underscores the challenges faced on major roadways, particularly during peak travel times, and the critical nature of effective emergency response to mitigate congestion and ensure public safety during such unforeseen events.