This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A four-year-old Italian boy was among five people killed in a crash between a minibus and a car on the A96 in the north-east of Scotland.

Police Scotland said the minibus was carrying a group of Italian tourists, with a woman and the young boy among those who died. Three passengers in the 4x4 vehicle, two women aged 69 and 70 and a 63-year-old man, were also killed.

Five other people, including a three-year-old Italian boy, were taken to hospital for treatment following the collision on the A96, three miles from Keith, on the road to Huntly, in Moray, shortly before midnight.

The emergency services were assisted by an air ambulance and a coastguard helicopter, with casualties taken to several hospitals.

The affected section of the A96 was closed and local diversions set up.

Sgt Peter Henderson said: “Motorists are thanked for their patience at this time and we would urge anyone who was in the area last night leading up to the incident at around 11.50pm to please get in touch as our inquiries at the scene continue.”

The local MSP, Richard Lochhead, tweeted on Friday morning: “So sorry to hear about such an awful tragedy locally. My thoughts are with everyone affected and thanks to emergency services. Community will be shocked by this sad news.”

Richard Lochhead (@RichardLochhead) So sorry to hear about such an awful tragedy locally. My thoughts are with everyone affected and thanks to emergency services. Community will be shocked by this sad news. https://t.co/wnLfx3hQQl

The Scottish ambulance service said one patient was airlifted to Raigmore hospital, three were transferred by road to Aberdeen Royal infirmary and a child was transferred to Royal Aberdeen children’s hospital.