Lorry overturns and halts traffic on Scots motorway as driver makes lucky escape

05.04.2022 - 19:33 / dailyrecord.co.uk

One of Scotland's busiest motorways was brought to a halt after an articulated lorry overturned blocking an entire carriageway.

The HGV fell onto its side shortly after 1.30pm on Tuesday on the southbound M74 south of Junction 9 at Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire.

Images shared on social media appeared to show debris strewn across the road as police vehicles stopped traffic.

Eyewitnesses reported multiple fire engines, police vehicles and ambulances on the scene.

Drivers from another passing heavy goods vehicle appeared to stop and help the driver out of the vehicle.

Luckily he has escaped without serious injury, according to both police and his employer.

Diversions have been put in place to take cars off of the motorway and along the B7078 to Junction 11 at Uddington.

However, data from Google Maps suggests that tailbacks could trail as far back as Larkhall, 10 miles up the road.

Motorists are being warned to expect passage to take up to an hour longer than usual.

Road network monitors Traffic Scotland tweeted: "The M74 is CLOSED Southbound between J9-11 due to an overturned HGV.

"Traffic backed up past J8 with approx 50 minute delay on the approach- police continue to take traffic off at J9."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware of an overturned lorry on the M74 southbound between junctions 10 and 11 shortly after 1.30pm on Tuesday, 5 April.

"No injuries were reported and the road was reopened around 4pm."

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We received a call at 1.37pm to attend a road traffic collision on the M74.

"Firefighters were involved in making the vehicle safe."

The lorry is owned by haulage firm Alan Davie Limited, based in Dundee and Forfar.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm