Driver injured in HGV crash on M74

The incident happened near junction 5 of the M74 in South Lanarkshire shortly before 5.10am.

It forced the closure of lanes on the northbound carriageway, leading to reported tailbacks of up to 90 minutes for drivers.

The collision also left one man trapped by the legs. He was cut free from the wreckage by firefighters and taken to hospital.

Diversions were put in place following the incident and both vehicles were removed from the scene by about 8.30am.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said its firefighters used hydraulic cutting gear to rescue the man after the two vehicles collided.

Crews from Hamilton, Easterhouse and Clydebank attended the scene.

The incident commander, watch manager Graham Hunter, said: “The collision involved two HGVs and left one man trapped by the legs.

“Firefighters immediately began work to free the casualty - this involved using hydraulic cutting equipment to extricate him and setting up a platform so he could then be removed on a rescue board.

“Our police colleagues closed the motorway to ensure the safety of everyone at the scene and paramedics were attending to the casualty while we worked to release him.”

After being lifted clear of the vehicle, the man was moved to an ambulance and taken to Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.