Trapped woman hospitalised after six-vehicle pile up on A1(M) between Letchworth and Stevenage

Paramedics and firefighters helping the trapped woman. Credit: @AmboOfficer via Twitter (Image: Archant)

Emergency services were called to the southbound carriageway of the motorway between junctions 9 for Letchworth Gate and 8 for Stevenage at around 7.45am.

The crushed car after firefighters and paramedics used cutting equipment to free a woman trapped inside. Credit: @AmboOfficer via Twitter (Image: Archant)

Six vehicles – believed to be five cars and a van – were involved in the collision, with two lanes of the A1(M) closed.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said a woman in her 20s suffered minor injuries after being trapped in her car and had to be cut free with the help of the fire service.

The woman, who has been taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage, has made a “miraculous escape” according to the spokesman.

Ambulance officer Gary Sanderson, who attended the collision, added: “Six vehicles were involved in the collision and a woman was found trapped in the wreckage of a car which was extensively damaged. Paramedics worked closely with the fire service to treat and immobilise the woman before removing her from the car on a spinal board.”

Four vehicles are being recovered and motorists are being advised to avoid the area with traffic heavy in both directions.

Update 10.05am: Two lanes are still closed with one vehicle yet to be recovered as specialist equipment to remove it is required.