Lorry driver who died in crash where timber was shed onto motorway is named
A lorry driver who died in a crash which led to a load of timber falling onto the M8 motorway has been named. Tom Meikle, 61, died at the scene of the incident around 5.30pm on Tuesday. He was driving a Scania lorry along the M77 flyover at the Plantation interchange, which shed its load onto the M8 below.
Police said one line of inquiry is that Mr Meikle, from Carnwath in South Lanarkshire, may have fallen ill at the wheel of the vehicle. Sergeant Fraser McEwan said on Wednesday: "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 inquiry is that Tom took ill within the tractor.
"A number of road closures had to be put in place following this crash to allow for an investigation to take place and the load to be recovered. "All roads were reopened at 5.25am this morning. "We would ask anyone who witnessed this crash and has yet to speak with police to please contact us.
Anyone with relevant dashcam footage is also asked to come forward.
"If you can help, please contact police on 101 quoting incident number 2508 of September 30."
Lanes were closed on the M8 until just before 6am the following morning as a result of the accident.