M8 crash: Woman killed as crash closes Scotland's busiest motorway

A woman has been killed in a crash that closed Scotland's busiest motorway for most of Friday.

Police said the one-vehicle accident happened on the eastbound carriageway of the M8, between Shotts and Whitburn, shortly after 04:00.

A second crash on the same road, involving a lorry and a van, added to the tailbacks.

It happened at about 07:45 at junction 6A, Chapelhall and resulted in one man being taken to hospital.

Traffic Scotland confirmed the eastbound carriageway was reopened at about 20:00. Westbound, the road was cleared by 21:40.

Commuters faced major delays as a result of the incidents, with reports some were stuck for three hours.

Chief Insp Darren Faulds said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the person who sadly lost their life in this incident.

"We understand that closing a major route has caused significant disruption to motorists, and we thank them for their patience while we continue to respond to this serious incident."

Police have asked for information from anyone who used the M8 early on Friday who may have witnessed either incident, or have dashcam footage.

No details about the driver, who was travelling alone, have been released as officers are working to trace their next of kin.

The incidents prompted numerous reports of drivers reversing up slip roads to get off the motorway.

Traffic Scotland said: "It is incredibly dangerous and risks causing an RTC. Police are aware of the issue."