Boy, 4, is one of five dead in tourist minibus smash

FIVE people including a four-year-old boy were killed in a horrific headon crash between a minibus full of tourists and a 4x4 vehicle. The boy and a woman killed were in a group of Italians travelling in the Fiat Talento minibus.

carnage

Scene of carnage on the A96, one of Scotland’s busiest roads (Image: JASPERIMAGE)

The other three killed – two women aged 69 and 70 and a 63-year-old man – were in the Nissan X-Trail 4x4 in the crash on the A96, one of Scotland’s busiest roads.

Five others including a three-year-old Italian boy were taken to hospital after the crash between Huntly and Keith in Morayshire just before midnight on Thursday.

A woman passenger in the minibus was said to be in a critical condition last night at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

The driver of the 4x4, a 39-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries and was being treated at Dr Grays hospital in Elgin.

Police said all four people in the 4x4 lived locally.

Superintendent Louise Blakelock said: “The dreadful scene faced by emergency responders was distressing and extremely challenging for everyone involved.

“I thank all those who made valiant attempts to save the casualties’ lives.

“I would also like to thank members of the public who came upon this terrible incident, phoned emergency services and provided first aid and comfort.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been involved or affected.”

Investigators have appealed to be contacted by witnesses, including those with dashcam footage.

One theory is that the minibus was travelling on the wrong side of the road.

Moray’s MSP, the Scottish National Party’s Richard Lochhead said: “This is a truly horrific accident that has shocked the community, given that so many people use the A96 day in, day out.

“The fact that there are so many casualties has been difficult for people and with such a loss of life everyone’s thoughts are with those affected and their loved ones and friends at this difficult time. I pay tribute to the emergency services who dealt with what was a major road traffic accident.”

He added: “The A96 is the key route through Moray and anyone heading north from Aberdeen is likely to use this route.

“It’s one of Scotland’s busiest roads and a horrific accident like this, with many lives lost and people injured, is difficult to take in.”

Moray Tory MP Douglas Ross tweeted yesterday: “Terrible news this morning. Five people were killed on the A96 last night and another five injured. “Our thoughts are with all affected at this time.”

A section of the A96 remained closed yesterday, with diversions in place.

The Rt Rev Susan Brown, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “What can you say, when in a split second your world collapses?

“Our hearts go out to those killed and injured in the Moray road accident.”

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