Three deaths on the M1 in last seven days
Woman dies in M1 bridge fall and motorist killed in crash
A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital after a major incident on the M1 in Leicestershire.
He and a woman were found injured on the carriageway close to a bridge near Leicester Forest East Service station, shortly after 2pm on Saturday.
It is understood they fell from the bridge.
Police have previously confirmed the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was taken to University Hospital in Coventry by air ambu- lance, where police said he was still undergoing treatment for critical injuries yesterday.
Police have not yet revealed any details about the deceased woman.
They are continuing to investigate the circumstances and have appealed for motorists who have dashcam footage that may help with inquiries to come forward.
The force has said no vehicles were involved in what happened on Saturday and the woman’s death is not being treated as suspicious.
Officers are preparing a file for the coroner, who will identify the body.
The incident resulted in the M1 being closed in both directions between junctions 21, at Fosse Park, and 21A, near Leicester Forest East, for about four hours so 999 vehicles could access the scene, leading to long tailbacks.
All the lanes were reopened by about 6pm but it took some time for the congestion to clear.
The delays affected motorists into the early evening, including some Leicester City and Everton fans trying to get home after the match at the King Power Stadium.
A police spokeswoman said: “Officers would like to thank motorists who may have been caught up in the tailbacks for their patience.”
It has been a difficult weekend for the emergency services and drivers on the M1 through Leicestershire.
At 11.30am on Saturday, flash flooding brought traffic to a standstill while gulleys were cleared.
Then, on Sunday afternoon part of the motorway was closed for a third time.
The northbound stretch between junctions 18, near Rugby, and 19, at Catthorpe, was shut to allow the emergency vehicles to get to a crash involving multiple vehicles.
Anyone who witnessed the incident involving the two people found on the carriageway is asked to call police on 101.