The collision happened between a Toyota Previa and Toyota Rav 4, between junctions 29 and 30, of the southbound carriageway, about 3.20pm, on Saturday, June 27.

A police spokesman said: "Four people in the Toyota Previa were injured and needed hospital treatment.

"Three of them were youngsters and they were thrown from the vehicle after the collision."

The Toyota Previa rolled over, according to Derbyshire Constabulary, following the collision and one person from the Rav 4 suffered minor injuries.

Those seriously injured included a woman with a broken arm, a 16 year-old girl with head injuries, a nine year-old boy with head and leg injuries and a nine year-old girl with a broken leg.

An ambulance and air ambulance conveyed the casualties to different hospitals for treatment including one in Rotherham and Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Other motorists faced delays after Derbyshire Constabulary and Staveley and South Yorkshire firefighters helped make the crash scene safe and the carriageway was re-opened about 7.50pm.

A police spokesman added: "There were traffic problems for other drivers because part of the M1 motorway had to be closed for a considerable time because of the collision."

Witnesses should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 0345 123 3333 or the appeal line on (01773) 572929.