A car span out of control and crossed the central barrier causing a collision which resulted in the M1 being closed for six hours on Sunday.
Two people were left with serious injuries following the smash.
Police said the dramatic collision occurred when a silver Lexus RX 300, travelling northbound, span and flipped into the southbound carriageway at about 11.50am between junction 36 and 37.
It rolled into the middle lane where it was in a head-on collision with a black Vauxhall Meriva. Debris struck a third vehicle, a red VW Transporter, causing minor damage.
When officers arrived the Lexus was on its roof facing south. The driver a 20-year-old Nottingham man was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where he was kept in overnight in a serious condition with a suspected broken leg and internal injuries.
The Vauxhall driver, a 60-year-old Durham man, was taken to Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, with a suspected broken toe.
Both carriageways were closed for about six hours as officers investigated and the scene was made safe. The Chronicle understands an exclusion zone was put in place because the Lexus used potentially explosive LPG fuel.
Police are particularly keen to hear from witnesses who saw the Lexus leave the northbound carriageway but anyone with information should contact the force on 101.
