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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Kris Gourlay

West Lothian M8 closed for second time as five-vehicle crash sparks more delays

A section of the West Lothian M8 has been closed due to a multi-vehicle crash, less than an hour after the road reopened following an earlier police 'incident'.

The Lothian and Borders police team posted an update on Facebook, saying that between junctions 4 and 4A is now closed following the smash, with traffic already heavy in the area due to the earlier incident.

They said: "The M8 between junctions 4 and 4A is closed in both directions following a multi-vehicle crash.

READ MORE - Section of West Lothian M8 closed in both directions due to police 'incident'

"There is already slow traffic following an earlier incident. Please use alternative routes and avoid the area."

Traffic Scotland also issued a new update, saying that the route has been closed to allow access for a medical helicopter to attend the scene.

Although it is unclear how long this section will now be closed for, it is the second incident within hours of each other on the busy motorway, with drivers pictured standing outside of their vehicles earlier as police responded to a 'concern for a person' call between junctions 3A and 4.

Traffic Scotland posted updated and live camera shots from the area, with huge tailbacks and delays of up to an hour reported, as officers and TRISS escorted drivers off the motorway and up the nearest slip road.

Replying to Traffic Scotland earlier, another motorist stuck in the queues near the incident said that whatever was happening looked "concerning."

Another said that it looked like an incident involving a bus, adding: "Looks to be a bus sideways on the westbound side. Police have also closed Blackburn road, I assume the accident visible from the flyover. Hope everyone is ok."

Updating motorists on the latest closure, Traffic Scotland said: "NEW: 15:35 #M8: J4 - J4A. 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.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers were called to reports of a five vehicle crash on the M8 between Junctions 4 and 4a at around 2.50pm on Saturday, 16 July, 2022.

“Emergency services are in attendance and the road is closed in both directions.”

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