A significant traffic incident unfolded this morning on the M90 motorway, just outside Perth, leading to the complete closure of the northbound carriageway. Emergency services swiftly responded after a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) became engulfed in flames close to the busy Craigend Interchange, causing considerable disruption for motorists across Perth and Kinross.
The alarm was raised shortly before 10:00 AM, with initial reports indicating a lorry fire on the M90. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed receiving a call at 9:52 AM and immediately dispatched two fire appliances to the scene. Their rapid deployment underscores the severity of the situation, given the potential hazards associated with vehicle fires, especially those involving larger commercial vehicles on a major arterial route. Extensive Road Closures and Traffic Disruption
As a direct consequence of the incident, the M90 northbound at Junction 10, which serves the A912 for Perth city centre and the A9 for Stirling and Inverness, was promptly closed to all traffic. This essential closure was necessary to ensure public safety, allow fire crews to tackle the blaze effectively, and prevent any secondary incidents caused by smoke or debris.
Drivers in the area were immediately met with significant delays. Queues began forming rapidly as traffic was brought to a standstill approaching Junction 10. The sudden closure of such a critical stretch of motorway had a ripple effect, impacting local commuter routes and potentially affecting travel times for those heading north from Edinburgh and other parts of the Central Belt towards Perth, Dundee, or further north into the Highlands. Transport agencies, including Traffic Scotland, were quick to issue alerts, urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, anticipate prolonged delays, and, if possible, seek alternative routes. Impact on Local Travel and Diversion Advice
The Craigend Interchange is a vital junction for Perth, connecting the city to the national road network. Its disruption inevitably pushes traffic onto smaller, local roads, including routes through Perth city itself. Residents commuting within Perth and Kinross, particularly those travelling north towards areas like Scone, Luncarty, or even further afield towards Dunkeld and Pitlochry, would have experienced considerable diversions and extended journey times. The advisories highlighted the importance of patience and allowing extra time for travel, particularly for anyone with time-sensitive appointments or deliveries.
Visibility in the immediate vicinity of the incident was also reported to be severely reduced due to dense smoke emanating from the burning vehicle. This added another layer of risk and complicated the emergency response, emphasizing why the swift and decisive action to close the road was paramount.
Emergency personnel remained on site for an extended period, working to bring the fire under control, ensure the safety of the area, and commence the clear-up operation. Such incidents often require thorough assessment of the road surface for damage once the vehicle is removed, further prolonging the closure. Local authorities and transport networks continued to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as they became available.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel and the critical role played by our emergency services in maintaining public safety and managing major incidents on our region’s vital transport links. Motorists are always encouraged to check live traffic updates before embarking on journeys, especially on key routes like the M90, to stay informed and plan accordingly.
The alarm was raised shortly before 10:00 AM, with initial reports indicating a lorry fire on the M90. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed receiving a call at 9:52 AM and immediately dispatched two fire appliances to the scene. Their rapid deployment underscores the severity of the situation, given the potential hazards associated with vehicle fires, especially those involving larger commercial vehicles on a major arterial route. Extensive Road Closures and Traffic Disruption
As a direct consequence of the incident, the M90 northbound at Junction 10, which serves the A912 for Perth city centre and the A9 for Stirling and Inverness, was promptly closed to all traffic. This essential closure was necessary to ensure public safety, allow fire crews to tackle the blaze effectively, and prevent any secondary incidents caused by smoke or debris.
Drivers in the area were immediately met with significant delays. Queues began forming rapidly as traffic was brought to a standstill approaching Junction 10. The sudden closure of such a critical stretch of motorway had a ripple effect, impacting local commuter routes and potentially affecting travel times for those heading north from Edinburgh and other parts of the Central Belt towards Perth, Dundee, or further north into the Highlands. Transport agencies, including Traffic Scotland, were quick to issue alerts, urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, anticipate prolonged delays, and, if possible, seek alternative routes. Impact on Local Travel and Diversion Advice
The Craigend Interchange is a vital junction for Perth, connecting the city to the national road network. Its disruption inevitably pushes traffic onto smaller, local roads, including routes through Perth city itself. Residents commuting within Perth and Kinross, particularly those travelling north towards areas like Scone, Luncarty, or even further afield towards Dunkeld and Pitlochry, would have experienced considerable diversions and extended journey times. The advisories highlighted the importance of patience and allowing extra time for travel, particularly for anyone with time-sensitive appointments or deliveries.
Visibility in the immediate vicinity of the incident was also reported to be severely reduced due to dense smoke emanating from the burning vehicle. This added another layer of risk and complicated the emergency response, emphasizing why the swift and decisive action to close the road was paramount.
Emergency personnel remained on site for an extended period, working to bring the fire under control, ensure the safety of the area, and commence the clear-up operation. Such incidents often require thorough assessment of the road surface for damage once the vehicle is removed, further prolonging the closure. Local authorities and transport networks continued to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as they became available.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of road travel and the critical role played by our emergency services in maintaining public safety and managing major incidents on our region’s vital transport links. Motorists are always encouraged to check live traffic updates before embarking on journeys, especially on key routes like the M90, to stay informed and plan accordingly.