The crash happened at around 7.40am this morning (Feb 1) and has closed both carriageways at junction 42 near South Milford and Ferrybridge. North Yorkshire Police said hazardous materials had been released onto the carriageway, and warned drivers to keep their windows and doors closed.

Group Manager Bob Hoskins, who works for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, tweeted the pictures with a warning to drivers.

He said: “Major delays on the A1 as both carriageways are closed following an major RTC near Ferrybridge. Emergency services will remain at the scene to ensure safety whilst recovery takes place. Please avoid the are as the road will remain closed for a considerable period of time.”

National Highways warned drivers to expect long delays, and avoid the area if they can.

A statement said: “A HGV collided with the central reservation at around 7.40am, coming to rest on its side across both carriageways. National Highways and emergency services remain at the scene. Traffic caught up within the northbound closure is now being turned around.

“There are currently delays of around 25 minutes on the northbound carriageway. While the closures are in place, drivers are advised to avoid the area if at all possible, allow extra time for their journey and follow diversions in place this morning.

“Southbound traffic is being directed from the A1M on to the M1 before continuing to travel southbound on the M1 to M62 (Lofthouse). They are then advised to exit the M1 at junction 42 on to the M62 eastbound, continuing in this direction before on the M62 and rejoining the A1M. Drivers travelling northbound are advised to follow the same diversion, in reverse.”

UPDATE 7AM THURSDAY:

Following the crash at just after 8am yesterday morning, the A1(M) is expected to remain closed in both directions until Thursday afternoon.

The closure is between junction 40 and J42 on the northbound carriageway and between junction 42 and J41 on the southbound carriageway.

The closure remains in place to allow the Highways Agency to resurface the road.

A1 closure: Yorkshire motorway to remain closed until Thursday afternoon as emergency services clear hazardous material