A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an accident on the northbound carriageway of the M1 near junction seven on Saturday morning.

The accident happened at about 9.45am when a lorry travelling north hit a Mercedes car which was parked on the hard shoulder.

The injured girl was a passenger in the Mercedes. She had to be released by firefighters from St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Garston and Hatfield.

She was taken to hospital in Hemel Hempstead, her condition is not known. The driver of the lorry was also taken to hosital suffering from shock.

There were three adults and two other children in the car but there are no reports of any further injuries.

One lane of the motorway was closed for several hours and police are appealing for witnesses to contact PC Terry Buck on 01923 472388.

Sub officer Ray of St Albans Fire Station said the incident highlighted the danger of staying in a vehicle while parked on the hard shoulder.

October 13, 2001 16:01

Shannon Price