M1 closed in both directions near Barnsley after pedestrian dies in collision with Mercedes

Man, 25, hit on third lane of northbound carriageway between junctions 35A and 36

(Google)

Police closed the M1 motorway for more than 16 hours after a pedestrian was killed in a collision with a car in South Yorkshire.

Emergency services were called to the northbound carriageway between junctions 35A and 36 south of Barnsley at at 11:52pm on Friday.

A 25 year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. South Yorkshire Police said the car involved in the collision was reported to be a black Mercedes CLA and appealed for witnesses and information.

The M1 was shut in both directions between Chapeltown and Tankersley to allow officers to investigate the incident, causing severe delays to motorists – including football fans travelling to the match between Leeds United and Birmingham City.

Highways England received complaints from motorists after saying the road would not be opened until 5pm on Saturday at the earliest, more than 17 hours after the fatal crash.

“The road is closed in both directions due to a police incident,” Highways England said in a statement. “Please try to avoid this route where possible and use alternative routes.”

Diversions were set up to take traffic via the A616 and A61, causing severe delays. Parts of the A1 and M18 were also affected.

One motorist claimed they it took them up to two hours to negotiate the route, while Twitter user Ian Turner complained: ”Just get the traffic moving! People are walking on carriageway trying find out what’s going on and vehicles reversing back off of the motorway!”

Highways England reported at 2pm on Saturday that delays were running at 15 minutes northbound and 30 minutes southbound.

The northbound carriageway was eventually reopened at around 4.15pm, with the southbound following shortly before 5pm. “If you are in the queue please return to your vehicle and please DO NOT attempt to turn your vehicle around,” the agency tweeted.

South Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Officers investigating a collision on the M1 last night, Friday 18 October are appealing for witnesses and information to help with their enquires.

“Emergency services were called at 11.52pm following reports that a black Mercedes CLA had been involved in a collision with a pedestrian in the third lane of the carriageway between junction 35A and 36 Northbound.

“The pedestrian, a 25 year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specially trained officers.

“Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or may have been in the area at the time.”