Fatal collision, A1 close to Spittlegate junction

We have launched an investigation into a collision on the A1 which has tragically claimed the life of a baby boy.

We were called to a report that a yellow Honda Jazz had left the road about 500 yards from the Spittlegate junction of the southbound carriageway, before colliding with a tree and coming back to rest on the carriageway. It is not believed that any other vehicles were involved.

The collision was reported to have happened just after 10.50pm last night (Thursday, 2 January). 

A seven-month-old baby in the vehicle sustained serious injuries in the collision, and was treated at the scene and taken to hospital, but he sadly died just after 5am this morning.

The family is being supported by specially-trained officers. A woman also travelling in the same car suffered serious injuries. Two other people in the vehicle were not seriously injured.

The road was closed in both directions while emergency services worked and the southbound carriageway remains closed by Highways while they carry out investigative work along the roadside.

We are now investigating the cause of the collision, and while we are keeping an open mind, we are considering whether this was linked to icy conditions on the carriageway in that area.  

We are asking for help from anyone who may have been driving in that area over the past few days to get in touch with information or dashcam they may have which show conditions over the past few days.

We would also been keen to view any footage of the collision itself and ask that anyone who was traveling that in that area who we have not yet spoken with to get in touch.

If you can help, please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team in the following ways:

• Via email on [email protected], quoting incident number 382 of 2 January in the subject line;
• Or via phone on 101 and ask for the SCIU team, quoting the same incident number.