Tanker leak closes road

A TANKER carrying aviation fuel sprung a leak in West Lothian yesterday, sparking a rescue operation and closing the road for more than two hours.

The vehicle was making its way along the M9 just after 3pm near Junction 2 at Philipstoun, when a tyre burst on its trailer. The puncture led to a leak to the main tank, causing the fuel to spill out.

The police and fire service were called to the scene just after 3pm. Police closed the road at 3:55pm, allowing firefighters to apply a foam blanket to the affected area.

The scene was then made safe by personnel from BP and the puncture was repaired.

The tanker was then safely escorted to Grangemouth. The road was re-opened at 6pm.