AN eyewitness has described the moment a car transporter burst into flames on the M74 this morning.
Motorist Peter Gibson managed to stop and take images and video of the massive vehicle on fire as the cars on it were destroyed.
WATCH: Moment flames engulf transporter lorry closing M74
The incident first came to light just after 8am on Twitter when Traffic Scotland raised the alarm.
*NEW* ❗️️⌚️08:08#M74 northbound at J8 Canderside / J9 Draffan - the carriageway is blocked due to a HGV that has caught fire. Emergency services en route.
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) February 13, 2019
More info to come@ScotTranserv #BeAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/4JrpzvOjOU
Emergency services rushed to the motorway at junction 8 Canderside to deal with a car transporter which burst into flames.
Peter explained: “The fire happened on M74 northbound at Blackwood. No-one was hurt, the driver got out and is okay. It looked like brand new Volkswagens that were on the transporter.
IN PICTURES: Fire drama on the M74 as car transporter bursts into flames
“The fire crews managed to separate the front cab and front section of the transporter from the rest and save three cars. The rest were destroyed.”
As of 11.15am, Traffic Scotland said there had been no change to closures in the area.
The team wrote on Twitter: “No Change.
*UPDATE* 11:15 ⌚️
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) February 13, 2019
No Change#M74 northbound at J8 Canderside / J9 Draffan - the carriageway remains CLOSED ⛔️ due to car transporter fire. Emergency services on scene.
Traffic being diverted off at J10 Wellburn, traffic along the diversion is slow and busy@ScotTranserv https://t.co/s1v2lCReut
“#M74 northbound at J8 Canderside / J9 Draffan - the carriageway remains CLOSED ⛔️ due to car transporter fire. Emergency services on scene.
“Traffic being diverted off at J10 Wellburn, traffic along the diversion is slow and busy.”
The Evening Times has contacted the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service have been contacted for more details.
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