THE Edinburgh city bypass was brought to a standstill earlier this morning after a vehicle was engulfed in flames.
At around 6:50am this morning, reports were made of a car on fire going westbound at the Straiton junction, leaving early morning commuters stuck in unmoving traffic.
Road users were advised to avoid the area, and the bypass was reopened at around 10am.
Videos from the scene show a car engulfed in flames and black smoke billowing into the air as firefighters battle the blaze.
The westbound lane of the bypass is unmoving, with a series of emergency service vehicles blocking the path.
Police Scotland posted on social media saying: “The A720 Edinburgh city bypass is closed westbound at the Straiton Junction following a vehicle fire, reported to police around 6:50am on Thursday, January 9.”
They have now issued a statement following up on the incident, that states: “The A720 Edinburgh city bypass has re-opened westbound at the Straiton junction following a vehicle fire, reported to police around 6.50am on Thursday, 9 January.
“No one was injured. Thank you to all road users for their patience.”
One user commented: “The queues are horrendous.
“I got to Straiton for my shopping at 7:20am going through the back roads.
“Heading home queues are back down through Loanhead, and as far as Bonnyrigg.”
Another said: “Been in it for two hours, haven’t moved yet.
“Hopefully no one was injured.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said today: “We were alerted at 6:44am on Thursday, January 9 to reports of a car on fire on the A720 Edinburgh city bypass westbound between Straiton and Lothianburn junctions.
“Operations control mobilised two fire appliances and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting one vehicle.
“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”
