A LORRY fire has closed a section of the M74 motorway in South Lanarkshire, with motorists warned that diversions are likely to remain in place "for several hours".
The M74 is closed between Junction 9 and Junction 12, between Happendon and Lesmahagow, while fire crews tackle a major blaze engulfing what is reported to be a fuel tanker.
Eyewitnesses said they believed it was carrying ethanol.
Emergency services were called out at 10.25am today [fri] after reports that the lorry was on fire in the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway.
Appliances were initially mobilised from Lesmahagow, Larkhall and Douglas.
A fourth appliance from Lanark and the environmental protection unit from Hamilton have also been dispatched to increase the resources available at the scene.
There are no reports of any injuries however the fire is producing large amounts of smoke and the motorway has been closed in both directions. There are no homes in the vicinity.
The incident is causing major tailbacks and motorists are being diverted in both directions along the B7078 Carlisle Road.
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