Two men killed in A9 crash near Newtonmore
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A van driver and his passenger have been killed in a head-on crash with a coach taking music fans to RockNess.
Fourteen passengers on the bus were taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for treatment after the collision on the A9 Inverness-Perth road by Ralia this afternoon.
A Northern Constabulary spokesman said: "The driver and the passenger in the van sadly received fatal injuries in the collision."
The bus had departed from Edinburgh bound for the music festival on the banks of Loch Ness which starts today.
It was carrying 46 passengers at the time of the accident which happened at around 3.42pm.
The police spokesman said the coach driver was trapped and had to be cut free from the wreckage.
She sustained serious injuries and was taken to Raigmore Hospital by air ambulance.
Some of the bus passengers who suffered injuries received treatment at the scene.
The remaining passengers were transferred onto another bus and taken on to Inverness.
The road is to remined closed for several more hours to allow a full accident investigation to take place.
Diversions are in place and the traffic is flowing steadily. North diversions are through Dalwhinnie and southbound diversions are through Crubenmore.
The force spokesman said: "Drivers are asked to expect some delays, to be patient and drive with caution."
It is understood that the road will not re-open until at least midnight.The details of the deceased will not be released until next of kin have been notified.Providing the latest situation, the spokesman said: "A total of 32 passengers have been taken by bus to Inverness where Highland Council is arranging welfare and accomodation if necessary. "Fourteen passengers have been taken to Raigmore Hospital Hospital for treatment to a range of injuries which are not life-threatening."
