THE M1 was closed for about nine hours yesterday after a lorry smashed into a rescue vehicle dealing with a broken down HGV .
The mechanic carrying out repairs to the HGV was in the back of his van assembling parts when it was struck from behind by another lorry which veered onto the hard shoulder at around 10.10am.
He was thrown from the van and the trailer from the HGV
parked in front landed on top of him, but he walked away virtually unscathed after being rescued by firefighters.
The driver of the lorry which smashed into him was trapped in his cab for an hour until he was freed by firefighters.
The broken down lorry was carrying tins of condensed milk and the second was carrying a 21-tonne roll of steel, which broke free and rolled across the motorway.
One of the vehicles lost its entire load of diesel, which had to be cleared up before the motorway could re-open last night. at 7.20pm.
A police investigation is underway. Witnesses should call PC Lee Morris at Derbyshire Police on 01773 572929.
READ MOREMain news indexYour letters.
FeaturesCheck out the very latest on South Yorkshire's roads - including live traffic cameras on Sheffield's commuter routes - with our Traffic sectionLatest sport.