A lorry and a number 17 bus have crashed in Tufnell Park Road, the residential street being used as the main diversion during the A1 closure.

The 1.30pm collision, described as “more of a knock” by TfL, left the bus with a smashed window.

The lorry had to be parked on the pavement after its load shifted, forcing police to completely close the road.

Islington Gazette: Gridlocked buses in Tufnell Park Road this afternoon were forced to turn off their engines and wait for the collision ahead to clear - as the entire diverted A1 piled up behind them. Picture: Polly HancockGridlocked buses in Tufnell Park Road this afternoon were forced to turn off their engines and wait for the collision ahead to clear - as the entire diverted A1 piled up behind them. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

The crash took place between Littlefield Close and Warrender Road and witnesses described seeing “literally 30 buses” gridlocked in the area.

Traffic from Holloway Road is being diverted along Tufnell Park Road while the Upper Holloway bridge replacement works take place.

Islington Gazette: Gridlocked buses in Tufnell Park Road this afternoon were forced to turn off their engines and wait for the collision ahead to clear - as the entire diverted A1 piled up behind them. Picture: Polly HancockGridlocked buses in Tufnell Park Road this afternoon were forced to turn off their engines and wait for the collision ahead to clear - as the entire diverted A1 piled up behind them. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

The last-minute closure, which began on Friday night, has caused uproar among commuters, homeowners and the town hall with major delays and congestion expected until January 16.

Islington Gazette: A lorry's load has shifted in Tufnell Park Road, which is being used as the main diversion route during the Holloway Road closures. Picture: @TPC2SA lorry's load has shifted in Tufnell Park Road, which is being used as the main diversion route during the Holloway Road closures. Picture: @TPC2S (Image: Archant)