FIREBALL HORROR
Cops hunt Audi driver who sped off after causing collision
carriageway, causing a BMW to swerve and hit a Peugeot 206, which was travelling in the opposite direction.
Emergency services, including 14 firefighters, scrambled to the scene.
It is understood fire crews initially believed every driver and passenger had been accounted for – but a victim was later discovered in the wreckage of the Peugeot, which had burst into flames. The BMW’s occupants – a 25-year-old man, 22-year-old woman and five-year-old girl – were all taken to hospital, where they continued to be treated for their injuries last night.
The Audi was recovered in Lochgelly Road, Cowdenbeath – near to the local ambulance depot – at about 3.50am.
It had been stolen from the Liberton area of Edinburgh on April 17.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Grainger, from Edinburgh CID, said: “At this time we believe the stolen Audi A3 has been driven in a dangerous and reckless manner, which has caused this collision in which a person has died.
“Those within this vehicle have then failed to stop and it appears they have thereafter travelled into Fife.
“We have dedicated significant resources to this inquiry and while we have now recovered the Audi, the driver and anyone else within the car are yet to be traced.
“As part of this investigation, we are keen to know if anyone has seen the stolen Audi A3 being driven in unusual or suspicious circumstances in
Edinburgh or elsewhere since April 17.
“We are also keen to trace the occupants of a silver hatchback car, which is believed to have been travelling in convoy with the Audi, and is also believed to have headed into Fife.”
Locals commented on Facebook about the crash and the road where it happened.
Vivienne Hunter wrote: “I drive up and down it every day – it’s the ones who speed that cause mayhem.”
Hazel Young said: “Very bad stretch of road. The speed limit was lowered quite a few years ago after a fatal accident. Sadly an accident has happened again. RIP.”
Chief Inspector David Happs, local area commander for north-west Edinburgh, said: “We recognise the impact this incident has had on the local community, not only in relation to the traffic issues but due to the harrowing nature in which a person has died.
“We are treating this with the utmost seriousness and will utilise all available resources at our disposal to identify all of those involved.”
Anyone with information should contact CID at Corstorphine via 101 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.