NewsUK NewsMotorwaysLIVEUpdated 19 mins agoPolice have closed the motorway near Luton following the incident, which involved multiple vehicles and has created an oil spill which requires specialist clean upThe M1 near Luton AirportPolice have closed part of the M1 near Luton after a huge multi-vehicle crash caused an oil spillage.The southbound side of the motorway has been closed between junctions 11 (Luton) and 11A (Chalton) after the crash, which took place at around 8.45pm. Initially, National Highways closed junctions 11 to 12 on the southbound carriageway, but this has been revised.National Highways believes an HGV has 'overturned'. It said in its update: "One of the HGVs involved has overturned and come to rest on its side. There is also significant damage to the nearside barrier and boundary fencing, along with a substantial oil spillage across most lanes."Traffic that was caught within the closure has now been released past the scene via lane 4."Bedfordshire Police and other emergency services remain in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management."The carriageway will remain closed while emergency services complete their response, followed by vehicle recovery, barrier repairs and carriageway clean-up."The incident took place only a few miles from Luton Airport, which is open as normal. A diversion has been created for motorists as the motorway is expected to be closed for some time.THIS IS A LIVE NEWS EVENT. PLEASE CHECK FOR UPDATES BELOW...‌View PostToday01:39 BSTLatest from the AAThe AA's road watch service has this update: "Road closed due to recovery work and earlier crash on M1 Southbound from J11A A5 Dunstable Northern Bypass (Dunstable / Luton North) to J11 A505 Dunstable Road (Dunstable South / Luton)."Today01:37 BSTDiversion detailsNational Highways has released information of a diversion. However, only vehicles weighing under 7.5 tonnes can use it, due to weight restrictions on the route.Drivers should follow the hollow circle on the following route:Exit the M1 at Junction 12 onto the B5120.Continue on the B5120 through Toddington to the B5120/High Street Roundabout, take the 1st left onto 'High Street'.At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit on to 'The Green'.Continue on 'The Green' through Houghton Regis to The Green/Park Road North Roundabout.At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Park Road North.Continue on the Park Road North and at the 1st roundabout with Sandringham Drive, take the 2nd exit and at the next immediate roundabout take the 2nd exit on to Poynters Road.Continue on the Poynters Road to the Poynter Road/A505/A5065 Roundabout.At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A505 Dunstable Road.Continue on the A505 Dunstable Road to re-join the M1 at Junction 11.Today01:34 BSTWhere is the closure?Today01:31 BSTFull statement from National HighwaysHere is the full statement from National Highways: "The M1 is closed southbound between Junction 11A (Chalton) and Junction 11 (Luton) following a multi-vehicle collision."The incident occurred shortly before 8:45pm this evening. One of the HGVs involved has overturned and come to rest on its side. There is also significant damage to the nearside barrier and boundary fencing, along with a substantial oil spillage across most lanes."Traffic that was caught within the closure has now been released past the scene via lane 4. Bedfordshire Police and other emergency services remain in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene assisting with traffic management."The carriageway will remain closed while emergency services complete their response, followed by vehicle recovery, barrier repairs and carriageway clean-up."‌