Officer in ‘critical condition’ following serious motorway crash
A Police Scotland officer is in a “critical” condition in hospital following a serious crash on the M8 near to junction 13 Provan on Wednesday (July 24).
Another officer is in a “serious” condition after a Mercedes A45 collided with an unmarked Volvo S90 police car and a Mercedes CLS, which were on the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway, at around 1.10pm.
Three occupants from the Mercedes A45 made off after the crash. Following inquiries, three men aged 27, 39 and 33, have since been traced.
Seven men, including the two police officers, were taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Glasgow Royal Infirmary in relation to the crash.
Hospital staff describe the condition of a 48-year-old police officer, a 43-year-old man and the 39-year old man as “critical”.
The condition of a 38-year-old police officer and the 33-year-old man are described as “serious”. A further man is being treated for minor injuries.
The 27-year-old man, who is also being treated for minor injuries has been arrested in connection with road traffic offences. Police Scotland said inquiries “are continuing”.
The eastbound carriageway was closed while investigations were carried out but has since fully reopened.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The investigation into this serious road crash is ongoing and I would urge anyone who has not already spoken to police to come forward with any information that may assist us.
“I would ask any drivers with dash-cam to please check their footage and contact us if it holds information relevant to this crash.”
Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors said: “Our thoughts are very much with our two colleagues, one of whom has been critically injured, and the members of the public also critically injured in this incident.
“The two officers have put themselves in harm’s way carrying out their duties and we are immensely proud of the work they and colleagues do every day to keep communities safe.
“We will provide them and their families all the support they need at this difficult time.”
David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Our thoughts and hopes go out to our injured colleagues, their families and friends.
“Whilst occurrences of this nature are mercifully rare, what this does, is highlight the situations and the risks that police officers across Scotland take every day in keeping our communities safe.”