Motorist critical after early morning crash

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The A725 Bellshill bypass has been closed for several hours as a result of the incident, causing long tailbacks in the area.

The crash happened just before 7am and involved a Citroen Picasso travelling north and a Vauxhall Movano van travelling south on the A725 near to Raith Interchange.

Police said the 38-year-old male driver of the Picasso was taken by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where staff described his condition as critical.

The 44-year-old male van driver sustained injuries to his hand and was taken to Monklands District General Hospital for treatment. His condition is described as stable.

The A725, between Bellziehill roundabout and Raith Interchange, remained closed in both directions while officers carried out their enquiries.

Local diversions were in place, but police urged drivers to avoid the area. Rush hour tailbacks stretched beyond the roadworks on the M74, all the way along the M73 to the M80 near Moodiesburn.

Sergeant Joe McGuckien said: “The road was very busy this morning and although we have spoken to a couple of witnesses we still need more people who saw the crash happen to come forward.

“Anyone with information can contact the Motherwell roads policing unit on 101.”