Man killed and 23 injured in minibus crash
ONE man was killed yesterday and 23 people were injured when a minibus taking them to the races crashed and overturned.
The victim, who had not been named last night, is understood to have died at the scene. Another person is believed to have suffered serious spinal injuries.
The privately operated minibus – which had been carrying a total of 23 adult passengers plus the driver – was travelling from Newtongrange in Midlothian towards Kelso racecourse when the accident happened at about 10.50am. As the vehicle travelled along the A6089 between Carfraemill and Gordon, near Lauder, it overturned and ended up in a field next to the road.
It is believed that no other vehicle was involved in the accident. As emergency services raced to the crash scene, Police Scotland declared the collision to be a ‘major incident’. Twenty-two passengers and the driver were taken by a fleet of ambulances to Borders General Hospital, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for treatment.
An air ambulance was also involved in the operation.
Police investigations into the cause of the accident are expected to continue today.
Chief Inspector Steven Duncan said: ‘We’re providing ongoing support to the family of the man who tragically lost his life, along with those who have been injured and their families.’