Marmite spread on M1 after lorry collision

30-Nov-2011 - Last updated on 30-Nov-2011 at 15:41 GMT

Widepread disruption: Marmite on the M1 caused chaos among rush hour commuters

A driver was taken to hospital and a section of the M1 motorway was closed yesterday after an accident resulted in 20t of Marmite being spilled onto the carriageway.

A clean-up operation began on Tuesday morning following the incident that occurred when a lorry, carrying the much-loved/hated spread overturned. This was a result of a collision with a camper van on the southbound carriageway.

Police were forced to close part of the motorway between junction 32 and 33, which resulted in chaos among rush hour commuters, who were left facing lengthy delays.

Liquid yeast

The driver, an employee of haulage firm Wincanton, which handles logistics for Marmite, was taken to hospital as a precaution but sustained no serious injuries.

A Wincanton spokesman told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “Wincanton can confirm that one of its tankers rolled over near junction 32 of the M1 southbound last night at approximately 10pm.

"The tanker was carrying liquid yeast for use in the production of Marmite and we are now working with police and the authorities to establish the exact cause of the accident. Our driver was taken to hospital last night (November 28) where he is currently being looked after.”