One dead and 23 hurt in minibus crash in Scottish Borders Published duration 29 December 2018

image copyright Andrew Milligan/PA Wire image caption The upturned bus was lying in a field next to the A6089 in the Scottish Borders

One man died and 23 people were injured when a minibus overturned in the Scottish Borders.

They were travelling in the private bus from Newtongrange to Kelso when the accident happened at about 10:50.

A major incident was declared after emergency services were called to the crash on the A6089 between Carfraemill and Gordon, near Lauder.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while 22 passengers and the driver were taken to hospital.

They were treated at Borders General Hospital in Melrose, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

The bus was carrying a group of people from Newtongrange on an outing to Kelso Races.

image copyright Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

image caption There was a large police presence at the scene of the accident near Lauder

Ch Insp 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.

"Our road policing unit, together with partners, are currently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this.

"We'd ask anyone who may be concerned that a loved one has been affected, or anyone who could help with our investigation, to get in touch immediately via 101 and quote incident number 1369 of 29th December."

Photographs from the scene show the upturned bus in a field next to the road.

image copyright Alan Simpson

image caption The A6089 was closed in both directions while a collision investigation was carried out

An air ambulance and four fire engines were among emergency service vehicles sent to the scene of the accident.

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: "Due to the number of passengers requiring assistance, we dispatched a large number of resources to the scene including our air ambulance, trauma and Special Operations Response Teams (SORT).

"Sadly, there was one male fatality and our thoughts go out to his family for their tragic loss. Twenty three other patients were treated by our crews and transported to Borders General Hospital, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for further treatment and care."

Police said the NHS and Scottish Borders were also providing assistance to the force and those affected by the accident.