UPDATED: Major delays as M1 closed near Leeds after crash

All lanes reopened by around 5.45 but long tailbacks remain and drivers are advised to avoid the area.

Previous lane closures on the clockwise M621 have now been lifted.

Police say three cars and a pick up truck were involved in a collision just before 2pm.

It happened near junction 43 of the M1 where the motorway merges with the southbound M621.

The southbound M1 was closed between junction 44 and 43 from 2pm to just after 3.30pm to allow the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to land.

A man who suffered head injuries was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by air ambulance.

Two lanes of the M1 southbound between junctions 44 and 43 have been re-opened while one lane remains closed.

A Highways Agency spokesperson said: “Drivers are advised of long delays on the M1 in West Yorkshire following a serious incident on the southbound carriageway near to junction 43 this afternoon.

“The M1 is closed southbound between junction 44 and 42 and drivers should follow the solid diamond diversion symbol via the A639 and A642 to M62 junction 30, and then re-join the M1 at junction 42.

“Previous slip road and lane closures on the clockwise M621 have now been lifted and delays are beginning to reduce on this route.

“The M1 southbound closure is expected to be in place through the rush hour and drivers should plan their journeys around the area. “