National Highways said an accident investigation would have to be carried out before the road can reopen.
They said: “A two-vehicle RTC has occurred between a car and van. The car has left the Church Lane over bridge and entered the southbound carriageway colliding with a van.
“The M1 was closed in both directions at 1.35pm to provide a safe and sterile working environment for Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance Service at the scene.
“There is confirmed oil and fuel spillages on scene. Accident investigation is enroute, and it is expected that this will be a protracted closure.”
