Police witness appeal as victims of M9 smash are named

A road smash on the M9 near Stirling claimed the lives of two men from West Lothian.

Christopher Brown (34) and John Turner (56) were killed after the grey Toyota Hilux they were driving left the motorway near Plean on Saturday morning.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene while a third man was taken to Forth Valley Hospital by ambulance for treatment to minor injuries.

The vehicle they were travelling in left the road on the eastbound carriageway, around one mile east of the Bannockburn interchange, before coming to a stop in a field.

The incident happened at around 6.50am and emergency services rushed to the scene. Roads police closed the route between junctions eight and nine for around 10 hours, with diversions in place while investigations were carried out.

Sergeant David Marr of Forth Valley Road Policing Unit, who is based at Stirling, said yesterday (Tuesday) that officers are still appealing for help with their inquiries.

He said:“My sympathies go out to the families and friends of Christopher and John and specially trained officers continue to provide them with support at this difficult time.

“I would continue to appeal for anyone who may have seen the Toyota travelling eastbound on the M9 prior to the incident, or anyone who saw it leave the road around a mile east of the Bannockburn Interchange, to please come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 902 of Saturday, March 17. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.