Investigation goes on after teen killed in M8 smash

INVESTIGATIONS were continuing today after a teenager was believed to have taken his own life by driving the wrong way along the M8.

Callum Aitken, 19, crashed head-on into an articulated lorry in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Friends today took to the internet to pay tribute to the student, from Bathgate.

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Writing on Facebook, Leona Smith said: “We just made up like a couple weeks ago after a stupid argument! so many memories, him running about in my baby grow and furry hat a couple Christmas’ ago.”

On Twitter, Stephen J Alex wrote: “Love you to pieces, RIP mate”.

Moly McGifen added: “Love you always will man! :-( cant believe it! We’re all supporting you today! Gone but never forgotten! Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”.

The driver of the HGV needed hospital treatment for shock following the incident, which closed the motorway for five hours.

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Police said they had received reports that the Fiat Stilo driven by Callum was travelling west on the eastbound carriageway of the M8. The crash took place near Harthill at around 1am.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “There are reports the Fiat Stilo was travelling west on the eastbound carriageway, having joined it at junction 3A, before it collided with the HGV which was heading east.

“The eastbound carriageway of the M8 was closed between junction five, Shotts, and junction four, Whitburn, for around five hours while investigations were carried out at the scene. One lane reopened at about 6am, with the full carriageway reopened at about 8.50am.

“We would encourage any motorists who were on the road at the time to contact police immediately. Similarly, anyone with any other information that can assist police with their inquiries is also asked to come forward.”

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