The Forensic Crash Unit has launched an investigation into a horror crash that shut down the M1 for over five hours overnight.
According to police, a Mercedes-Benz van was sitting stationary in a northbound lane at the Albert River Bridge in Beenleigh around 7.00pm when it was struck from behind by a Mazda Bt-50.
Multiple emergency crews rushed to the scene, with firefighters having to remove the roof the ute in order to free the driver.
The 34-year-old man was treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with life threatening injuries.
The driver of the van, a 51-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Logan Central Hospital.
All northbound lanes of the Pacific Motorway were closed, however reopened about 12.10am this morning.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash, or has dashcam vision of the moments before the crash, to come forward.
Investigations are ongoing.
