M8 closed at rush hour after vehicle catches fire near Newhouse

A vehicle on fire forced the M8 to be closed eastbound at rush hour on Wednesday morning.

Traffic Scotland confirmed Junction 6 at Newhouse was closed in both directions due to a vehicle on fire.

Emergency services were called to the scene after 8am on Wednesday, with fire crews extinguishing the blaze.

There were no reported casualties as the road re-opened after 9.15am.

A vehicle on fire forced the M8 to be closed eastbound at rush hour on Wednesday morning. STV News

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 8.07am on Wednesday, December 4 to reports of a car on fire between junctions 5 and 6 of the M8 eastbound.

“Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting one car.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment.

It comes amid a weather warning for ice stretching across the country.

Weather Alert

Weather warnings for ice and wind as temperatures plummet

Most of the country will face icy conditions from Tuesday evening after a drastic drop in temperatures.

A Met Office alert for ice came into force at 9pm on Tuesday and remains in place until 10am. There is an increased risk of transport disruption and the potential for accidents.

The warning covers most of the country, including the Central Belt, Highlands, Grampian, south-west and Strathclyde regions.

A further weather warning for wind follows, starting at 4pm on Wednesday and lasting until 9am on Thursday. It comes from the northwest of the country, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.

The Met Office warned it is likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray or large waves.