Lorry driver dies as load smashes onto M8 motorway from bridge

A lorry driver has died in a crash that saw his load of timber tumble down from a motorway bridge onto the M8 in Glasgow.

Police Scotland is investigating whether Tom Meikle, 61, took ill at the wheel during the incident, at about 17:30 on Tuesday.

The lorry spilled its load from the M77 flyover, near Plantation interchange, where the road joins the M8.

Dashcam footage of the incident posted on social media shows the wooden beams smash down onto the motorway below, narrowly missing several vehicles.

Emergency services attended but Mr Meikle, of Carnwath, South Lanarkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Road closures were in place for nearly 12 hours to allow investigations to be carried out.

Sgt Fraser McEwan said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Meikle's family and friends at this time.

"Inquiries are ongoing into the cause of the crash, however, one line of enquiry is that Tom took ill within the tractor."

"We would ask anyone who witnessed this crash and has yet to speak with police to please contact us [1]."