M8 Closed After Man Killed in Crash

20 July 2015, 12:27 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man has died in a four-vehicle crash that shut Scotland's busiest motorway during rush-hour.

Police closed both carriageways of the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh after two cars, a van and a lorry collided near Livingston.

Three of the vehicles caught fire and thick plumes of smoke could be seen around junction three of the key commuter route.

A police spokesman said: "Police Scotland responded to a four-vehicle collision on the westbound carriageway of the M8, junction 3 at around 8.50am.

"Two cars, a van and an articulated lorry were all involved in the incident, which resulted in three vehicles catching fire.

"The M8 is currently closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance at the scene and it is due to remain closed for several hours.

"We can confirm that one male has died as a result of this collision and inquiries are ongoing.''

Traffic was being diverted, with eastbound vehicles being taken off at J3A Bathgate, and westbound at J2 Claylands.

Heavy traffic was reported earlier on the A89 and A899, with delays at Newbridge roundabout and increased traffic on the A71.