UPDATE: Horse dies in M1 collision near Wakefield
Drivers are being urged to avoid the area, as investigations continue
Last updated 23rd Aug 2021
The M1 through West Yorkshire has partly reopened (correct 5pm, 23rd August) after a closure caused by a collision involving horses.
West Yorkshire Police were called around 1.17pm to the Northbound carriageway near junction 41 (Wakefield A650).
Officers found a horse had died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.
In a statement, West Yorkshire Police added: 'It is believed the horse and a small number of others had got loose from a nearby field.
'A full closure was put on both sides of the carriageway while the other animals were made safe.
'The southbound carriageway was re-opened at 1.48pm and work has been ongoing to clear the affected northbound carriageway.'
A diversion was put in place, taking drivers off the road at junction 40 (Dewsbury, Batley, Wakefield A638).
As of 5pm, 23rd August, the carriageway was partially open, with 2 lanes still closed for recovery work.