Body recovered after car plunges into River Don

The scene in Sprotborough, South Yorkshire, where a Nissan car has crashed through a barrier of the A1M and landed in the River Don, killing its occupant. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

THE BODY of a man has been recovered from a car which plunged into a river and led to the partial closure of the northbound A1M in South Yorkshire.

South Yorkshire Police said officers received reports that the car had entered the River Don at around 6.30am on Monday.

A man’s body was found as the vehicle was recovered from the water.

While formal identification of the body has not yet taken place, the man’s family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, South Yorkshire Police said.

Highways England CCTV image of traffic queuing on the A1M

Officers remain at the scene and regional underwater search teams are en route to assist with the operation.

The northbound carriageway is expected to remain closed between junctions 36 and 37 until later this afternoon, and drivers are asked to use alternative route.

A large bridge carries the busy motorway across the River Don, just north of the junction with the A630 at Warmsworth.

People writing on the South Yorkshire Police Facebook page said a number of other vehicles appeared to have been involved in a collision at the scene.

Becky Werrett wrote: “I’ve just seen it. I didn’t realise a car had gone in the river. No wonder there were so many ambulances and police. There was a lorry and two other cars smashed up too.”

Hayley and Terrone Elsmore added: “I have just driven past this, looks horrible, several cars smashed up on the bridge and lorry involved.”

People living nearby said there was a large presence by the emergency services in the area.

Julie Lewins wrote: “We live close by and there are helicopters and police all over.”

She added: “The car came off the A1 bridge at Sprotbrough and landed in the river.”

Other posters sent their condolences to the man’s family.