Drivers are being advised to steer clear of the A50 eastbound following a multi-vehicle collision between Junctions 1 and 2.
Fire crews from Long Eaton, Donington and Leicester are at the scene along with Derbyshire Police and the East Midlands Ambulance Service.
One person is being extricated from a vehicle, and four other casualties are receiving treatment while two vehicles are being made safe.
Highways England have routed a diversion via the A6 north, A5111 north, A52 east to J25 of the M1 then M1 south to J24a.