M1 crash Barnsley: Tragedy as two killed in late night motorway crash which closed M1
A man and a woman have tragically died after a crash which closed the M1 through South Yorkshire last night and into today.
The M1 was closed for much of today while police and emergency services dealt with the aftermath of the incident, and now South Yorkshire Police say the force has launched an investigation following the tragic deaths.
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Officers said in a statement this afternoon: “Last night (Wednesday, November 12) at 11.36pm, we received a call to reports of a collision on the M1 Southbound between junctions 37 and 36.
“A dark coloured grey BMW saloon motor vehicle is believed to have been travelling along the motorway when it has exited the carriageway and collided with a tree.
“Emergency services attended and the driver, a man in his 20s, and his passenger, a woman in her 20s, were sadly both pronounced dead at the scene.
“Their families are being supported by family liaison officers and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Police now say they would like to hear from anyone who witnessed or may have dashcam footage of the car prior to the collision, or anyone with information that you believe can assist us with our enquiries.
You can pass on information to officers online, via live chat or by calling 101 quoting incident number 1,119 of November 12, 2025.
Footage can be directly shared with police by logging onto https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/southyorks/appeal/witnesses-sought-following-fatal-collision-on-m1
The M1 re-opened this afternoon after the serious crash closed it for more than 12 hours.
National Highways said in a statement earlier this afternoon: “The M1 in South Yorkshire is NOW OPEN between J37 Barnsley and J36 Hoyland following a serious collision earlier. “