Two men are fighting for their lives after a serious two-vehicle collision on the A5 late Thursday evening, 5 December. The crash, which occurred near Hockliffe, has left both men with life-changing injuries and prompted an extensive investigation by Bedfordshire Police.
Incident Details
Emergency services were called to the scene just after 10 p.m. following reports of a collision involving a black Mercedes, which ended up on its side. The incident is believed to have occurred as the A5 was being heavily used as an alternative route due to a closure on the M1, causing increased traffic and congestion in the area.
Investigation Underway
Specialist collision investigators from Bedfordshire Police are working to reconstruct the incident to determine what led to the crash. The road remained closed for several hours overnight to allow for a thorough examination of the scene. Diversions were put in place, further disrupting traffic in the region.
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the crash to come forward, emphasizing the importance of public assistance in piecing together the events leading up to the collision.
Road Closures and Diversions
The A5 remains closed at key junctions, including:
- Sheep Lane
- Kelly’s Kitchen roundabout
- Chalk Hill roundabout
- Woburn Road junction
Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and expect delays in the area. Updates on the road closures will be provided as the situation develops.
Local Concerns
The incident has raised safety concerns among local residents, who have cited the A5’s increased traffic and higher speeds as potential hazards during diversions from the M1.
One resident commented:
“The A5 isn’t designed to handle the kind of volume and speeds we’re seeing during these diversions. Something needs to be done to ensure safety when traffic is redirected.”
Appeal for Information
Bedfordshire Police are asking anyone with information about the collision to report it online at Bedfordshire Police Website or via their web chat (accessible via the green button on the bottom right of the page), quoting reference 483 of 5 December. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Further Updates
As both men remain in critical condition in the hospital, police and investigators are continuing their work to uncover the cause of the crash. Further updates will be shared as more details emerge.
Motorists are reminded to exercise caution and adhere to diversion routes in the affected area.
