Escaped cow causes five car pile-up

AN escaped cow caused a five-car pile-up when it strayed onto a motorway in West Lothian.

But motorists had a lucky escape last night, walking away with only minor injuries.

The animal wandered onto the eastbound carriageway of the M9, which links Edinburgh and Dunblane, causing a car to swerve to avoid it.

But as the first vehicle dodged the lost cow, it collided with another car – setting off a chain reaction which ended in a five-car smash.

A Nissan Micra, two Vauxhall Corsas, a Fiat Punto and a Toyota Yaris all collided on the road near the village of Winchburgh, West Lothian.

Two fire engines, specialist cutting equipment and 11 firefighters were called to the scene at around 9.30pm. Police and paramedics also attended.

Only minor injuries were reported among those travelling in the cars. But the cow was not so lucky and died at the scene.

The eastbound carriageway was closed last night as efforts were made to move the animal's carcass from the road.

Sgt David Gray, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "The people had a pretty lucky escape. Unfortunately the animal did not."