RACE DAY CARNAGE
One dead and 23 in hospital as bus flips Coach packed with pub-goers on Kelso trip Tragic passenger joined party at last minute
at least one man died and 23 people were taken to hospital after a bus full of pub regulars overturned on its way to Kelso races.
Witnesses said the dead man had decided to join the trip at the last minute after a seat unexpectedly became available. Locals at the Dean Tavern in Newtongrange, Midlothian, whose customers had organised the
day out, spoke of their devastation. One broke down in tears outside the bar, praising emergency staff for their efforts.
The unnamed man said: “They did all they could to help. It’s been a tragedy. It seems the man who died had a brother-in-law who drank in the pub and that was the reason he was going along.”
Another local told how he decided to get the train instead of going on the minibus.
Iain Johnston, 71, said: “I was supposed to be on the bus with my 24-year- old grandson but we decided to take the train on Friday instead.
“We were looking out for all the guys from the Dean Tavern when we were there. We only found out what happened after.
“I feel very lucky to be alive. It seems the driver was blown off the road by a gust of wind.”
Pictures from the scene showed the Mercedes bus on its roof in a field beside the road. The tyre on the front passenger side appeared to have been damaged.
Yesterday’s meet at Kelso, the Festive Fling, was the last race event of the year.
Staff at the community-owned Dean Tavern regularly organise trips to the races.
Kelso boss Jonathan Moodie said: “We heard about this just before the first race. It’s tragic.
“The whole community will be saddened by what’s happened.”
Tributes have been paid to the dead man and injured. Lesley MacKinnon wrote on Scottish Borders’ Police’s Facebook page: “Thoughts and prayers go to all those involved and their families.”
Former New tong range community council lor Ron Campbell said: “It’s a tight-knit community. When something like this happens, people come together.”
Locals have arranged a memoria l to be held at Newtongrange Church Hall today. Reverend Malcolm Muir posted: “We send our love and prayers to the family of the man who lost his life – and to those injured for a speedy recovery.”
The crash happened on the A6089 between the villages of Carfraemill and Gordon in the Borders at 10.50am.
Emergency services said one man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash was declared a major incident as ambulance crews and Scottish Fire and Rescue raced to the scene. An air ambulance was also sent to help.
The road was closed in both directions while investigations continued last night.
Other passengers, including the driver, were taken to Borders General Hospital, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Passengers said the driver was airlifted from the crash scene.
Eyewitness David Fulton, 62, from Edinburgh, drove past the crash as he travelled to Kelso races with his wife Lillian.
He said: “We passed the accident about 11. The coach was turned over almost on its roof. There were people lying at the side.
“It was on a slight bend and the sun was very low. It looked like the bus had missed the bend and turned over off the road.”
Police Chief Inspector Steven Duncan said: “We’re providing support to the family of the man who tragically lost his life, along with those who were injured.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service said: “There was one male fatality and our thoughts go out to his family for their tragic loss.”