The southbound carriageway of the M1 has been closed in West Yorkshire following a "serious incident" involving "multiple vehicles" - the third
Motorists took to social media to say they had been caught up in lengthy tailbacks and urged motorists to avoid the scene.
One user said: "Serious accident on the M1 near junction 39 for Denby Dale. Traffic not moving. Emergency services are here.
"Avoid if you can. Already called work to say I'll be late, because we're not moving anytime soon. I hope it's not a fatality."
Another person said: "Currently stuck on the M1, accident about 7 cars ahead of us, traffic standstill, 3 ambulances, 3 police cars, 1 K9 car, and 2 fire trucks."
Highways England tweeted details of a diversion route for the closure.
West Yorkshire Police said on Twitter : "The M1 southbound is closed from junction 40 to 39 due to a RTC involving multiple vehicles.
"It is expected to be closed for several hours. Please avoid the area if you can."
Highways England said: "M1 southbound J40 Ossett to J39 Durkar closed due to a serious incident."
The incident follows a fatal collision 140 miles further south in Bedfordshire, late on Christmas Eve
A woman, who has not been named, was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash, which happened between Aylesbury and Flitwick on the northbound carriageway at about 11.15pm, and involved a number of vehicles.
Another person suffered minor injuries, police said.
A stretch of the motorway was closed from Tuesday night until Wednesday morning after the crash near junction 12.
Bedfordshire Police attended the incident along with members of the ambulance service and fire brigade.
Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to call 101 and quote Operation Granborough.
There was also an accident on the southbound carriageway in Hertfordshire, between Luton Airport and Dunstable.
The M1 fully reopened in both directions before 9am on Christmas Day.
