Traffic news: Junction 5 of M8 closed due to road traffic collision resulting in air ambulance call out

Traffic Scotland tweeted an update around 4.05pm following an ongoing incident to say that the M8 is now closed eastbound at junction 5 Shotts because of an accident. Reports suggest that an air ambulance has been called.

Replying to Traffic Scotland, one twitter user said: "Stuck in it now...medical response unit passed us and we heard an air ambulance on the way...thankfully this isn't on the hot days we have had."

@waltatek added: "3 ambulances. 4 fire appliances. 5 police vehicles. Looks like a bad one. Settling for a long wait. #m8 #longdelays E/B"

@AndreBoyle tweeted: “Major accident in the M8 near Shotts. Amazing to see people on the slip road driving up the wrong way to get back to a junction.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We were called at 3.33pm on Saturday, July 27, to reports of a road traffic collision involving three cars on the M8 between Newhouse and Shotts.

"Operation control mobilised five appliances and firefighters are presently working at the scene alongside emergency service partners."

Traffic Scotland have updated information, saying: "M8 J6 (Newhouse) - Kirk of Shotts - Closure, All lanes closed Eastbound for up to 60 minutes"

Police and Traffic Scotland warned of long delays and urged people to seek alternative routes following what was reportedly a three-car crash.

Eastbound traffic was being diverted at junction six. Westbound traffic was being diverted at junction five, but restrictions were eased later on Saturday evening.

Amey, the firm that maintains trunk roads in the area, tweeted: "We appreciate frustration caused by serious rtc on #M8 e/b J5-6 but please avoid driving on the hard shoulder."It adds to congestion and can hamper emergency vehicles. We apologise for the delays but unavoidable due to the incident. All agencies working hard to get traffic moving."

After the past few days of hot weather, heavy rain has been falling all day in parts of Scotland with a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and potential flooding in place until 3pm tomorrow (Sunday 28 July).