A HORROR road crash left three people seriously injured and several others badly hurt.

The rush-hour collision between two lorries and six cars on the M74 caused hour-long delays for motorists.

One person was airlifted to hospital and another seven needed hospital treatment after the pile-up at around 4.25pm yesterday. A ninth victim didn't require hospital treatment.

The road was closed northbound between Junction Six at Hamilton and Junction Five at Raith Interchange, in South Lanarkshire, causing chaos for commuters.

Debris from the damaged vehicles could be seen strewn across the motorway as the accident investigation work got underway.

Emergency services rushed to the scene when the alarm was raised.

An air ambulance was in attendance, as well as an ambulance special operations team.

Paramedics treated patients at the scene before transferring eight people to hospital.

A Scottish Ambulance spokeswoman said five people were taken to Wishaw General and two were rushed to the Southern General in Glasgow.

One person was taken to Monklands Hospital.

Motorists travelling north faced major delays and there was also congestion at Junction Seven at Larkhall.

A diversion was put in place through Hamilton.

The road closure and diversions remained in place as investigation work continued into the night.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman last night said: "Six cars and two HGVs were involved in a collision.

"Three people are seriously injured. Six other people appear to be walking wounded."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk