The northbound carriageway of the M1 in the north of the borough was closed for almost six hours on Tuesday after an accident left a 30-year-old woman in a critical condition.

Police were called to the accident, which happened just north of Gateway Services, involving a Vauxhall Corsa and a Range Rover at 8.14am.

The 30-year-old woman, who has not been named, was trapped in her Corsa for about an hour before the fire brigade finally managed to free her.

She was then rushed to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel by air ambulance.

The other driver, a woman in her 30s, suffered shock.

Police are appealing for some of the many witnesses to come forward to help with their enquiries. Anyone with information should call Sergeant Bill Divers on 020 8246 9850.

The road was reopened at around 2pm, but severe congestion on the North Circular and Edgware Road continued for several more hours.

June 26, 2002 12:00