The M8 motorway in Glasgow has resumed operations after a 12-hour closure due to a severe accident that left a police officer in critical condition. The incident, involving three vehicles, occurred on Wednesday, July 24, at approximately 1 pm near junction 13 Provan.

The collision involved a Mercedes A45, an unmarked Volvo S90 police car, and a Mercedes CLS on the eastbound hard shoulder. Traffic Scotland confirmed the reopening of the affected stretch at 1:45 am Thursday morning via their social media platform.

The crash resulted in seven men, including two law enforcement officers, being rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Medical staff report that a 48-year-old police officer, along with two other men aged 43 and 39, are in critical condition. A 38-year-old officer and a 33-year-old civilian are seriously injured, while another individual is being treated for minor injuries.

In a startling turn of events, three occupants of the Mercedes A45 fled the scene post-collision. Following an intensive search, police located three men aged 27, 39, and 33. The 27-year-old, who sustained minor injuries, has been arrested on suspicion of road traffic offenses.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, heading Police Scotland's Road Policing division, has appealed to the public for any information or dash-cam footage that could aid the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors expressed pride in the officers' dedication to public safety and pledged full support to the injured officers and their families during this challenging time.

The incident has sparked a thorough investigation, with authorities urging witnesses to come forward with any relevant information to assist in piecing together the events leading to this tragic collision.