Crieff family escape bus blaze horror on A9 flyover
Gran and grandaughter taken to hospital
A Crieff grandmother and grandaughter were amongst those taken to hospital for checks after a bus blaze on the A9 near Auchterarder at the weekend.
Rhona and Rab Nicoll, granddaughters Skye and Jorgie Kelly, along with other family members Andrew Nicoll and Kobie Munro, were caught up in the terrifying experience when the St Johnstone supporters bus they were travelling in went up in flames as it returned from the League Cup semi-final at Hampden on Saturday night.
Ten year-old Jorgie has been having nightmares since the incident. Mum Sami Nicoll told the Herald: “My mum, dad and girls were there.They said it was terrifying. They heard a couple of loud bangs when the bus was on the motorway.
“Jorgie was right above the wheel that went up in flames and started screaming.
“Everyone was panicked and trying to get off as quickly as possible.”
Sami’s cousin Kobie Munro did not hesitate to act and smashed a window so the family could escape.
Sami added: “He said everyone was so lucky to get out of it. Jorgie and my mum went to hospital as mum got pushed over trying to get out but was just bruised, and Jorgie struggled with smoke inhalation but both are ok. Jorgie is also struggling at night having nightmares, unfortunately.”
Video footage, posted online, showed the vehicle completely engulfed in flames with thick smoke billowing out.
Saints manager Callum Davidson told of his relief that everyone had managed to exit the bus, which was completely destroyed. He said: “It was a shock to see the footage of the bus and it was a huge relief to hear everyone is safe.
“It’s obviously a horrific thing to happen. Thankfully everyone is okay and the people involved are as well as can be expected.”
The A9 northbound slip road at the A823 for Gleneagles remained closed until Sunday morning.
Supporters group Fair City Saints had organised the bus and praised the speedy response of the emergency services and all involved.
Jorgie was right above the wheel that went up in flames and started screaming. everyone was panicked and trying to get off as
quickly as possible.”
Sami Nicoll