Police investigate fatal bus crash in the Highlands

The 50-year-old male driver of a Stagecoach bus that crashed on the outskirts of Munlochy on the Black Isle has died.

The 37 seater was travelling from Inverness to Cromarty when it collided with the Littlemill Bridge on the B9161 around 5.45pm on Friday evening and landed on its side.

There were 9 passengers on the bus at the time of the collision, 3 of which remain in a serious but stable condition while the other passengers sustained minor injuries.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.

Sergeant Alan Henderson of the Road Policing Unit, Highlands and Islands Division, said;

''Our thoughts at this time are with those involved and their families. An investigation into the collision is underway and we have already spoken to a number of witnesses. In order to help establish the cause of the collision, I would urge anyone who saw the vehicle prior to the collision who has not already come forward, to do so.

Likewise, if any motorists believe they may have dashcam footage which could assist our enquiries, I appeal for them to come forward.''

A Stagecoach North Scotland spokesman said: “The thoughts of everyone at Stagecoach are with the family and friends of our driver, as well as the passengers who were injured in the accident.

“Our driver was a popular member of staff at our Inverness depot and had been with the company for around 12 years.

“We are providing support to his family and work colleagues and we are continuing to help the police with their investigation into the cause of the accident.

“We would also like to thank another driver from the Inverness depot who spotted the accident as he was driving another service to Inverness and gave assistance at the scene."

You can contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 080055511 in confidence, quoting incident number 2792 of 11th of January, 2019.