Lorry driver dies in hotel smash

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A lorry driver who collapsed at the wheel of his truck and smashed into a restaurant in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, has died.

Diners fled the Toby Carvery in Strathclyde Park as the articulated lorry swerved off the A725 at the Raith interchange and struck the building.

A female diner suffered minor leg injuries from falling debris.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "It is believed the driver became unwell shortly before the crash."

The accident happened at about 1420 BST on Monday.

The 57-year-old was taken to Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, but died later.

A post-mortem examination was being carried out.

It is understood the restaurant was not particularly busy at the time and no diners were seated in the area hit by the lorry.

However, witnesses said a couple and their baby narrowly escaped injury, having parked their car and entered the restaurant moments before the crash.