Two taken to hospital after Chester-le-Street A1(M) crash

Police and paramedics were called just after 10.50pm on Sunday (April 26) night to “serious” crash, which National Highways says involved a car.

Two people were taken to the RVI in Newcastle including one in a critical condition, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) confirmed.

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Their current condition is not known. Durham Police has been contacted for comment.

The road has been closed overnight for crash investigation work and is expected to remain closed over the morning rush hour.

Drivers are being urged to plan their routes in advance and follow sign-posted diversion routes.

A NEAS spokesperson said: “We received a call from police on Sunday (April 26) night at 10.53pm to reports of a serious road traffic collision on the A1(M) north near junction 62 at Chester le Street.

“We sent six resources to the scene including a duty officer, hazardous area response team, a doctor and emergency ambulance crews, which began arriving at the scene from 10.59pm onwards.

“We took two male patients to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, one of which was in a critical condition, for further treatment.”

See where the road is closed

Diversion routes

Drivers travelling southbound should follow the Solid Diamond symbol on road signs.

• Exit the A1(M) southbound at Junction 63.
• Join the A167 southbound and continue towards Chester-le-Street and Durham.
• Continue on the A167 to Thinford Roundabout (near Spennymoor).
• At Thinford Roundabout, turn left to join the A688 eastbound/northbound.
• Follow the A688 towards Bowburn. Rejoin the A1(M) southbound at Junction 61.

Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the Solid Triangle diversion symbol on road signs.

• Exit the A1(M) northbound at Junction 61.
• Join the A688 westbound and continue towards Thinford Roundabout (near Spennymoor).
• At Thinford Roundabout, turn right to join the A167 northbound.
• Continue on the A167 northbound towards Durham and Chester-le-Street.
• Join the A167 northbound to reach Junction 63.