Police Federation speak out after Glasgow M8 crash leaves two officers injured
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has spoken out after two cops were injured in a crash on the M8 in Glasgow, with one officer said to be in a 'critical' condition.
The SPF[1] has highlighted the 'risks that officers' take every day in a statement after Wednesday's (July 24) horror crash which saw several men injured.
Emergency services scrambled to the three-car collision near junction 13 at Provan at around 1.10pm. Seven men, including two police officers, were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital[2] and Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment.
Forensic officers scoured the scene for 12 hours after the crash, involving a Mercedes A45 that collided with an unmarked Volvo S90 police car and a Mercedes CLS, which were on the hard shoulder at the time. Three occupants from the Mercedes A45 fled the scene, however, three men - aged 27, 39, and 33 - have since been traced by cops.
The condition of a 48-year-old police officer, a 43-year-old man, and a 39-year old man have been described as critical. A 38-year-old police officer and a 33-year-old man's injuries are serious.
A further man is being treated in hospital for minor injuries. A 27-year-old man, who is also being treated for minor injuries, has been arrested in connection with road traffic offences.
Officers say their enquiries into the crash are continuing.
Images from the scene show two of the vehicles on the hard shoulder of the road, one considerably damaged.
The M8 eastbound is closed. (Image: Tony Nicoletti/ Reach PLC)
At least three ambulances can be seen, with a police van and fire engine also visible, and a huge number of officers from the emergency services attending to the incident.
David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, spoke of the dangers posed to officers on a daily basis.
He 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.”
Police Scotland has appealed to anyone with information on the crash to come forward.
Two on-duty police officers have been rushed to hospital. (Image: Tony Nicoletti/ Reach PLC)
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.
"Anyone with information is asked to please contact 101 quoting reference number 1672 of 24 July."
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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.”
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References
- ^ SPF (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Glasgow family's 'long road ahead' after 'superstar' daughter, 9, diagnosed with brain tumour (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Glasgow M8 reopens 12 hours after crash as three men fighting for life including police officer (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ newsletter here (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)