Police launch manhunt after 58-year-old killed in hit-and-run near Edinburgh Airport
Tragic hit and run death near Edinburgh Airport this morning
A major manhunt has been launched after three people fled the scene of a fatal four-car crash near Edinburgh Airport.
A 58-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision on the A8 Glasgow Road at Newbridge at around 9.25am on Monday.
Police Scotland said a man and two women travelling in a grey Mercedes A250 left the scene on foot before emergency services arrived.
Specialist resources, including a police helicopter and dog units, have been deployed in an effort to trace the trio.
The collision involved the Mercedes, a black Renault Captur, a grey Skoda Karoq and a grey Hyundai i30.
The 58-year-old victim was driving the Hyundai. Images from the scene on Monday morning showed one vehicle flipped onto its roof on the eastbound carriageway following the impact.
Four other people were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been released.
The incident sparked a massive emergency response, with the Scottish Ambulance Service dispatching three ambulances, two special operations response teams, a paramedic response unit and a critical care paramedic to the incident.
The crash caused severe disruption for travellers throughout the day, with the A8 closed in both directions for nearly 10 hours to allow crash investigators to examine the scene and recover the vehicles.
Edinburgh Airport warned passengers to allow extra time for their journeys, while Traffic Scotland directed motorists to use the M8 and City Bypass to avoid the heavy congestion. The road eventually reopened at 7.05pm.
Inspector Thomas Mallinson, of Police Scotland, said: "My thoughts are with the family of the person who died at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash, and it is vital we trace the three people who left the area before police arrived.
“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed it or who has information which could assist our investigation to contact us.
"I would also ask anyone who was in the area and may have dash-cam footage to please get in touch if it holds anything which could be relevant."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0756 of September 7.
Updating road drivers about the road closure, posting on X at 7.10pm, Traffic Scotland said: “The A8 Glasgow Road has now reopened between Newbridge and Edinburgh Airport, following a road traffic incident.
“Delays of 14 minutes remain on approach to M8 Hermiston Gait from M9 Newbridge.”
In a follow-up post at 7.30pm, Traffic Scotland reported that delays on the M9 and M8 eastbound approaches to Edinburgh had now eased.