Northern Ireland

Man charged in connection with multiple-vehicle M1 crash

One person in critical condition as 53-year-old accused of dangerous and careless driving

Traffic is backed up on the M1 following a collision
Traffic backed up on the M1 following Thursday evening's collision

A man is due to appear in court charged in connection with the multiple-vehicle M1 crash on Thursday evening.

One person remains in a critical condition in hospital following the four vehicle collision near the Blacks Road junction.

A 53-year-old is charged with causing death or grievous bodily injury by careless driving, and causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving.

Police have said he is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning.

Four people, the drivers of the vehicles involved in the collision, were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, with three now released.

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The incident occurred on the westbound section of the motorway close to the Blacks Road junction at around 6.40pm. The motorway was closed in both directions for a number of hours, causing long tail backs and diversions.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses.

“The drivers of the four vehicles were taken to hospital. Three have since left hospital after treatment to injuries which are not thought to be serious at this time,” the PSNI said.

“The other driver remains in a critical condition. The vehicles involved were a black Audi Q5, a grey Peugeot 207, an orange Dacia Duster and a grey Mercedes CLA.”

The NIAS sent five ambulance crews to the scene along with a team attached to the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS).

A spokesman said: “NIAS dispatched one rapid response paramedic, one advanced paramedic, five ambulance crews and an ambulance officer to the incident.

“Ambulance Control also dispatched the HEMS Team to attend by response car. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, five patients were taken by ambulance to RVH.”