One of Scotland's busiest motorways has been closed in both directions for the second time in a matter of hours as five cars were involved in a pile-up shortly after police had stood down from a prior incident.
Officers were packing up from an earlier report of concern for a person on the M8 when the crash took place at 2.50pm between Junction 4 and Junction 4A on the eastbound carriageway, between Whitburn and Blackburn. The road has been closed in both directions following the smash to allow an air ambulance to land - minutes after it was re-opened following the earlier incident.
Traffic Scotland has confirmed that airborne medics are heading to the scene. The traffic network monitor said on Twitter: "Traffic is now being held in BOTH directions on the M8 between J4 and J4A following an earlier collision. This is to allow a Heli-Med to attend the scene. Traffic stationary at the moment on approach."
It's understood a driver has now been airlifted to hospital.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers were called to reports of a five vehicle crash on the M8 between Junctions 4 and 4a eastbound at around 2.50pm on Saturday, 16 July, 2022. Emergency services are in attendance and the road is closed in both directions.”
The force added: "There is already slow traffic following an earlier incident. Please use alternative routes and avoid the area." Traffic cameras show vehicles being diverted from the carriageway while the collision is dealt with.
Cops had been called to the area between Junction 3A and Junction 4 at around 11.25am following reports of concern for a person on the carriageway. The Record understands that they were assisted by officers, with the incident closed at 2.45pm.
Police said with regards to the earlier event: "Following a report of concern for person the M8 was closed in both directions around midday on Saturday 16 July 2022. The road was re-opened around 2.45pm.”
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