M74 lorry fire causes tailback for miles
Hundreds of Lanarkshire motorists were stuck on the M74 near Strathclyde Park on Tuesday night following a lorry fire.
The southbound carriageway of the motorway, close to the park, was shut from 7.10pm until 10pm while emergency services attended the incident.
Police confirmed that the male driver of the lorry was not injured in the incident.
There were also reports of a broken-down vehicle on the same stretch of the road at the same time.
Motorists who were already on the M74 southbound near the accident site were at a standstill for hours as fire and police made the area safe.
Many took to social media to share their stories.
Rowan J Parker posted on Facebook: “avoid the M74 southbound from Glasgow this evening.
“Motorway closed due to a lorry fire. I got stuck in it for 90 minutes before escaping at Bothwell services. Steer clear.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “at 7.12pm on Tuesday, December 13, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a lorry on fire on the M74 southbound close to junction 4.
“Appliances from Motherwell and Hamilton were immediately mobilised to the scene. Police Scotland were also called to assist in the management of traffic.
“All occupants of the vehicle were able to escape prior to our arrival.
“Firefighters in breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze with the use of two high pressure water hoses.
“We left the scene at 8.26pm.”