Football fans reportedly injured in West Yorkshire minibus crash
Police, ambulance and the air ambulance were all in attendance - with the road closed in both directions for some time
Last updated 14th Apr 2024
We're told a minibus that was carrying football fans and crashed in West Yorkshire flipped 'several times' last night.
It happened on the A1(M) near Darrington - and we now know a number of people were rushed to hospital.
In a post on social media, one of the fans of South Shields FC, Robert Reed, said: "For those unaware, on the way back from the South Shields game yesterday, our minibus was involved in a serious road traffic accident, resulting in the vehicle flipping several times.
"Firstly, thank you to everyone who has messaged myself and all of the other passengers and of course our driver, who done everything he could to prevent the outcome from being worse than what it was.
"In a nutshell, I personally was thrown out of one of the windows. The impact my body caused when hitting the window caused it to smash, sending me flying onto the road. When I stood up, I gave myself a quick pat down and rang 999 immediately. I explained everything that had happened and I noticed some people were still trapped inside the flipped bus.
"After flagging down several strangers passing by, we banded together to lift the bus up, making it easier for some of the other passengers to make their escape swiftly and safely. Faith in humanity is restored.
"All I can say, is that I’m one of the lucky ones."
In total, 17 people - including fans from South Shields FC - are reported to have been involved in a crash in West Yorkshire on the A1(M) last night.
The post from South Shields FC said: "Our thoughts go out to the supporters involved in a crash on the way home from today’s game.
"At this moment of time we have no further details, however we hope everyone is safe and recovering.
Football clubs from across the leagues have been reacting to the news, underneath this post on X, including Tamworth Football Club, Scarborough Athletic, King's Lynn Town FC and AFC Telford United.
We understand all 17 people have been taken to hospital - and there were no fatalities.
Robert Reed added: "I’d like to make one more huge thank you to all of the emergency service teams who responded so quickly, as well as all of the hospital staff who have helped not only myself, but most importantly all of my friends too.
"What happens now? Well, I don’t know. But what I would like to ask is that you all, both the SSFC and wider football communities, stick together and show support towards my friends and fellow passengers. The hardest battles we’ll be facing in the future will no doubt be those mental struggles."
Traffic stopped on the A1(M) yesterday (March 13) for some time after the serious crash between junctions 40 and 41.
Police said the crash involved two other vehicles, whilst the minibus itself had a number of people on board.
Those who were injured were taken to different hospitals in the area - and there are no reported fatalities.
In a statement sent to us, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "We received a call at 19.06 to a road traffic incident on the A1 near Darrington, West Yorkshire. We responded to the incident with a wide range of resources and seventeen patients were taken to hospitals in the region."
The road closed at around 7pm, with all of the emergency services called out - including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
On social media, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service said they were under ‘extreme pressure’ as they responded to the incident.
This has now been stood down.
They posted last night: "Our services are currently under extreme pressure this evening as we respond to an ongoing incident in the Darrington, West Yorkshire area. If you need urgent help you can still call 111 or 999 in an emergency."
A video posted on social media, purportedly taken from over the scene, showed a damaged minibus on its side on the hard shoulder of the dual carriageway.
In a statement, West Yorkshire Police said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with a serious road traffic collision on the A1 Northbound carriageway before junction 40, Darrington, Pontefract.
"The road is currently closed in both directions and motorists are advised to find alternative routes at this time."
Highways Yorkshire said: "The A1M in West Yorkshire is closed northbound between J40 and J41 due to a serious collision involving an overturned vehicle.
"All emergency services including Yorkshire Air Ambulance are in attendance.
"Traffic is also currently held on the southbound carriageway."
Both lanes have since reopened.