Three dead in head-on crash on A9

Tayside Fire and Rescue said crews were faced with a "scene of carnage"

Three people have died and a woman has been seriously injured in a crash on the A9 in Perthshire.

The collision happened on a single carriageway stretch near the Killiecrankie turn-off at 1155 BST.

Tayside Police said a Volvo S80 crossed the carriageway and collided with a Renault Clio and Vauxhall Astra going in the opposite direction.

The male driver of the Volvo and the man, 73, and woman, 66, in the Astra all died at the scene.

A spokesman for Tayside Fire and Rescue said crews were faced with a "scene of carnage" when they arrived at the crash at about 1215 BST.

Three appliances and a specialist rescue unit was sent to the collision, which happened about half a mile from Pitlochry.

'Serious condition'

The spokesman added: "There were four vehicles and multiple persons trapped.

"Four people were released by firefighters using hydraulic cutting and spreading equipment.

"Unfortunately there were three fatalities."

The woman driving the Clio was airlifted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Her condition is described as serious but stable.

A 28-year-old-man driving a fourth car involved was uninjured.

Police said the Volvo was driving south when the crash happened.

Officers have closed the A9 in both directions to allow crash investigators to examine the scene.

Local diversions are in place, but Tayside Police have asked motorists to avoid the area if possible. The road is likely to remain closed for several hours.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who saw the Volvo before the crash, is asked to contact police.