Van driver 'serious' in hospital

The van driver is being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary

A van driver is in a serious condition in hospital following a crash involving a tanker in West Lothian.

The 52-year-old was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following the incident on the A71 at the North British Distillery in Muirhall, West Calder.

The area was cordoned off from 0840 BST while fire crews attempted to clear up "extremely flammable" industrial alcohol which leaked from the tanker.

At least 6,000 litres has been spilled. The tanker holds 30,000 litres.

Tom Kane, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service group manager, said the incident was still ongoing.

Tanker overturned

He told the BBC Scotland news website: "We are trying to stem the leak as well as contain it from spreading into the River Almond using dry sand and foam.

"Firefighters are wearing breathing apparatus at the scene."

The tanker overturned, and hit a fence, resulting in the alcohol spill.

The tanker driver suffered minor injuries, but has also been taken to ERI.

The A71 is currently closed both ways near the scene. Traffic is being diverted at West Calder via the A704, and at the A706 Breich Cross traffic lights.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said the road was expected to remain closed until the evening.

She said: "We are asking anyone who was in the area at the time, and who may have seen exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision, to contact us.

"We would also advise motorists to avoid the area this afternoon if possible, to avoid major delays."