The Inverness Reds would like to clarify following rumours on social media, that we were not involved in the tragic accident on the A96 last night near Keith. All members that were on our bus are safe and well.
Thank you to everyone for their messages of concern, and we would like to pass on our sincere condolences to all those who lost their lives last night, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic accident.
Police Scotland released the following statement this afternoon:
Police Scotland can confirm that as a result of a serious road traffic collision on the A96 last night between Huntly and Keith (Thursday July 26, 2018) involving two vehicles, five people have sadly died.
Five further people were also involved in the incident which involved a mini-bus and a 4×4 car, one with potentially life-threatening injuries.
Superintendent Louise Blakelock said: “Emergency services were made aware of a two vehicle collision on the A96 between Keith and Huntly shortly before midnight last night.
“It is with deep regret that I can confirm that three adult passengers – two women aged 69 and 70 and a 63-year-old man – who were travelling within an orange Nissan X-Trail all sadly died from their injuries. The 39-year-old female driver sustained serious injuries and is being treated at Dr Grays. Everyone in this car was local to this area.
“A white Fiat Talento mini-bus which had been carrying Italian tourists was also involved in the collision. Tragically two people who were passengers within this vehicle – a woman and a four-year-old boy – have also died. The male driver, a male passenger, female passenger and a three-year-old boy, who were also within the mini-bus, were taken to hospital with a variety of injuries. The woman is considered to be in a critical condition and is being treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The little boy sustained minor injuries and is being well cared for.
“The dreadful scene faced by the emergency responders from Police, Fire and Ambulance and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency was both distressing and extremely challenging for everyone involved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made valiant attempts to save the casualties lives – their efforts cannot be underestimated. I would also like to thank members of the public who came upon this terrible incident, who phoned the emergency services and provided first aid and comfort.
“Every loss of life on our roads is a tragedy however when so many are killed in one incident the impact on their families, their friends and our entire community is massive. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been involved or affected.
“I would however ask anyone who was in the area last night and saw either vehicle involved in the lead-up to this incident to please contact the Police on 101 quoting ref. no. 5002 of July 26. Likewise, if you have dashcam footage that may assist please get in touch with us.”
The A96 road was closed for a number of hours following the collision and reopened shortly before 2pm on Friday (27 July).
