Man seriously injured in M1 crash involving car police say was driven the wrong way
Emergency services were called to the northbound carriageway near Wakefield late last night
Three people have been arrested after a crash involving a car police say was being driven the wrong way on the M1 near Wakefield.
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed a man in his 20s suffered serious, potentially life-changing, injuries in a collision shortly after 11pm last night (Friday 11th September 2026).
Reports emerged of a blue Kia Proceed, which officers say had failed to stop, being driven the wrong way up the northbound carriageway near junction 41 and collided with a red Dacia Sandero.
The driver of the Dacia was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Three passengers sustained minor injuries.
West Yorkshire Police say one person fled the scene.
Officers arrested an 18-year-old man, a 15-year-old girl, and a 30-year-old woman on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The 30-year-old woman was further arrested on suspicion of being over the prescribed limit.
Footage we've been sent shows cars stuck in long queues following the collision.
Witnesses, including those with dashcam or video footage, are urged to contact West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit by calling 101 or the force's website, quoting reference 13260519370.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.