Coach crash closes M1 southbound

The gantry collapsed across the motorway near junction 5

The M1 is unlikely to re-open in time for the rush hour after a coach crash closed the road southbound in Herts, a police spokesman has warned.

The coach driver who had to be cut free is seriously injured. Several other people are being treated for minor injuries at Watford General Hospital.

The Green Line 757 coach hit an upright support of a gantry near junction five at Watford shortly before midday.

M1 traffic has been diverted off the motorway at junction six.

Police are advising rush hour travellers to find alternative routes.

The RAC said that there was extreme congestion on roads on to which traffic had been diverted following the closure.

The coach was on its regular run between Luton and London. It is believed there were up to a dozen passengers on board.