M1 in Leicestershire closed after four-lorry crash
Highways England
The M1 in Leicestershire was closed northbound after a serious crash involving four lorries.
The carriageway was shut between junctions 19 for Catthorpe and 21 for Leicester as a result of the crash at about 03:20 GMT on Thursday.
A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said a 47-year-old man had been taken to University Hospital Coventry in a life-threatening condition.
All lanes reopened shortly after 12:20, having been shut for nine hours.
Highways EnglandHighways England said the clear up operation had been "quite extensive".
During the closure motorists were advised to find alternative routes with a diversion in place via the M6 and M69.
There were no reports of other injuries and police appealed for anyone who saw the crash, or the lorries beforehand, to come forward.
Originally, both carriageways were closed but the southbound side reopened at about 05:30.
Police said they were also called to a second crash at junction 19 northbound at about 06:45 between a lorry and three other vehicles.
One person suffered minor injuries and it has since been cleared.
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