THREE people, including one police officer, are fighting for life after a horror three-vehicle crash on a busy Scots motorway.
Seven people were rushed to hospital after the collision on the M8 in Glasgow this afternoon.
Emergency crews raced to Junction 13 after the alarm was raised at around 1.10pm.
A section of the busy motorway’s eastbound carriageway has been locked down by officers for over eight hours so far.
Two on-duty police officers and five men were rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Glasgow Royal Infirmary in ambulances after being injured during the collision.
The force has confirmed that a Mercedes A45 motor collided with an unmarked Volvo S90 police car and a Mercedes CLS, which were parked on the hard shoulder.
A 48-year-old police officer, a 43-year-old man, and a 39-year-old man are all in critical condition in hospital.
Medical staff have said a 38-year-old police officer and a 33-year-old man are in serious condition.
Our thoughts are very much with our two colleagues, one of whom has been critically injured, and the members of the public also critically injured in this incident
Jane Connors
Two other men are currently being treated for minor injuries.
One of them, a 27-year-old, has been arrested in connection with alleged road traffic offences.
Police have also confirmed that three men aged 27, 39, and 33, who were travelling the Mercedes A45 fled the scene after the crash.
They were all later traced by officers.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident and said that enquiries are ongoing.
The eastbound carriageway of the M8 is currently still closed after the smash with collision investigations ongoing.
Local diversions are in place, however drivers have been urged to avoid the area.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The investigation into this serious road crash is ongoing.
“I would urge anyone who has not already spoken to police to come forward with any information that may assist us.
The two officers have put themselves in harm’s way carrying out their duties and we are immensely proud of the work they and colleagues do every day to keep communities safe
Jane Connors
“I would ask any drivers with dash-cam to please check their footage and contact us if it holds information relevant to this crash.
“Anyone with information is asked to please contact 101 quoting reference number 1672 of 24 July.”
Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors said: “Our thoughts are very much with our two colleagues, one of whom has been critically injured, and the members of the public also critically injured in this incident.
“The two officers have put themselves in harm’s way carrying out their duties and we are immensely proud of the work they and colleagues do every day to keep communities safe.
“We will provide them and their families all the support they need at this difficult time.”
The smash caused huge tailbacks on the motorway after the bust section was closed down.
Pictures from the traffic cameras show four lanes of the carriageway queued back for miles.
