M73: 15-vehicle crash sends five to hospital and closes motorway overnight
Emergency teams were called to the m73 after a 15-vehicle collision shortly before 11: 21pm ET on Sunday, March 15; five people were taken to hospital and three others were treated and released at the scene. The northbound carriageway was closed between junctions overnight, with vehicles recovered by about 3: 00am ET and the road cleared shortly before 4: 00am ET. Agencies at the scene mobilised multiple appliances and specialist ambulance teams to manage casualties and clear debris.
What happened on the m73
The incident involved 15 vehicles on the m73, forcing a northbound closure between junction 2 at Gartcosh and junction 3 while crews worked. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service mobilised three fire appliances and a heavy rescue unit to assist at the scene. Amey SW Trunk Roads logged the collision as a “15 vehicle RTC” and advised motorists to avoid the area during the clearance operation.
M73: Emergency response and casualties
The Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched six ambulances and two special operations response teams after receiving a call at 11: 21pm ET on Sunday, March 15. The ambulance service transported five patients to hospital: two to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, two to the Royal Hospital for Children, and one to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. A further three patients were treated and released at the scene.
Clearance, disruption and official action
Vehicles were recovered by about 3: 00am ET and a sweeper was requested to clear debris before reopening. Traffic Scotland confirmed the northbound carriageway was cleared and reopened shortly before 4: 00am ET. Police were engaged in scene management while emergency services focused on casualty care and vehicle recovery; Police Scotland was contacted in relation to the collision.
The scale of the collision on the m73 required coordinated work across agencies through the night, with specialist rescue resources and multiple ambulances committed to the response. Emergency crews prioritised immediate medical care and rapid recovery to limit disruption and remove hazards from the carriageway.
Initial operational notes show the m73 closure lasted through the overnight period until recovery and road sweeping allowed normal traffic flow to resume. Local travel remained affected until the carriageway reopened, with authorities advising drivers to plan for delays during the clearance window.
What happens next: agencies will complete any ongoing investigations, vehicle examinations and debris clearance that remain outstanding, and Police Scotland will lead inquiries into the circumstances of the collision. Traffic monitoring and road maintenance teams will check the carriageway surface and signage after recovery operations. The Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Traffic Scotland will remain the authoritative contacts for updates on injuries, operational response and traffic status following the event on the m73.
