Eight people have been taken to various hospitals in the west this afternoon following a serious two-vehicle crash on the A82 at Bridge of Orchy.
The busy route has been closed in both directions since around 12.15pm with police advising that it is likely to remain closed for some time.
Six ambulances, a special operations response team, a paramedic practitioner and an air ambulance were dispatched by the ambulance service, alongside a coastguard search and rescue helicopter.
A spokesman said: “We received a call at 12.15pm today to attend a road traffic incident on the A82 near the Bridge of Orchy.
“We transported three patients to the Belford Hospital, Fort William; two patients were taken to Lorn and Islands Hospital, Oban, and three patients were transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Glasgow.”
Emergency services remain on scene at the incident with five fire engines in attendance.
Motorists have been asked to use alternative routes, with a diversion put in place via the A85 to Connel and the A828 by Ballachulish.
❗️UPDATE⌚️15.05#A82 ⛔️CLOSED⛔️#A82 remains CLOSED in both directions due to a serious RTC near Bridge of Orchy.
The road is likely to remain closed for some time
Please follow diversion route noted below#PlanAhead @NWTrunkRoads @polscotcontrol @BBCTravelScot pic.twitter.com/OZN41mCkIK
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) October 23, 2019
A police spokeswoman said: “Officers were called to the A82 near Bridge of Orchy at around 12.15pm on Wednesday, 23 October following a serious two-vehicle collision involving a minibus and a lorry.
“Emergency services remain at the scene and the public are advised to avoid the area, where possible.
“Diversions are in place.”
@polscotrpu attending serious injury RTC on A82, south of Bridge of Orchy – road closed to rescue & treat multiple casualties by @Scotambservice @fire_scot Please follow updates from @trafficscotland Road likely to be closed for many hours.
— CS Stewart Carle (@ChSuptRoads) October 23, 2019
The A82 is the main route west from the central belt with thousands commuting on the road each day.