Trapped driver freed, dogs rescued following overnight smash on M1 in Northamptonshire

Police say van driver's injuries 'not believed to be serious' after collision involving HGV
Last night's smash happened on the M1 between Daventry and the M45. Photo: Getty ImagesLast night's smash happened on the M1 between Daventry and the M45. Photo: Getty Images
Last night's smash happened on the M1 between Daventry and the M45. Photo: Getty Images

Two dogs were rescued alongside the driver of a van which crashed on the M1 in Northamptonshire just before midnight last night (Tuesday).

Police had to call in specialist handlers to look after the two large dogs while fire fighters worked to free the trapped driver of the van, following a collision with an HGV near Daventry.

The driver was taken to hospital but his injuries are not believed to be serious, according a Northamptonshire Police spokesman.

Both the dogs were taken to a kennel facility over night and are due to be collected on behalf of their owner today (Wednesday).

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue said: "The crash happened at 11.57pm on the southbound M1 bewteen junction 18 and junction 17.

"On arrival, crews found a van under the rear of an HGV with the driver of the van, a man in his mid-30s, trapped.

"Police dog handlers were called to assess whether to remove the dogs, but they were left in situ whilst the fire crews worked to release the driver.

"Working alongside the Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service, firefighters from Northampton, Long Buckby and Warwickshire were able to extricate the van driver using hydraulic rescue equipment and vehicle stabilising equipment. The driver was assessed at the scene and taken by EMAS to hospital for further assessment and treatment."

Police crash Investigators remained at the scene with the southbound carriageway closed until around 7am on Wednesday.

An appeal has been launched for witnesses to come forward with information or dashcam footage.