A woman escaped with minor injuries after what has been described as a ‘nasty smash’ on the northbound A1(M) just after noon today.

An eyewitness told The Press that the collision, between J48 (Boroughbridge) and 49 (Dishforth), involved two cars – an Audi and a Hyundai i10 which had ‘barrel rolled’ and come to rest on its roof.

Describing it as a ‘nasty smash’ he said the Hyundai had been ‘extensively damaged’.

Emergency services were on the scene by 12.14.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the woman driver of the Hyundai, thought to be in her 40s, had suffered ‘superficial injuries only’.

“The male driver, and female passenger of the Audi, both aged approximately 50s, were uninjured,” the spokesperson said.

The northbound carriageway was closed for more than an hour, and long tailbacks built up.

Diversions were put in place, and motorists were advised to expect delays.

But by early afternoon the overturned car had been moved to the hard shoulder and the road was fully open again.