By Dave Lord

ONE PERSON was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness while another was rushed to Perth Royal Infirmary by road following yet another accident on the A9 north of Perth yesterday.

There was traffic chaos in the wake of the two-vehicle smash, which occurred at around 3.45pm near to Dalnaspidal.

No one else was injured as a result of the crash.

Tayside Police confirmed that the arterial route was brought to a “partial standstill” following the accident.

The Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service sent tenders from Kingussie and Aviemore as initial reports suggested that at least one victim was trapped in one of the stricken vehicles.

Both of those taken to hospital were last night described as being in a stable condition and neither is reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

The road remained blocked for a time as debris was cleared from the site and accident investigators completed an examination of the scene.

“It was obviously pretty serious and the tailbacks were massive,” said one motorist whose journey was interrupted by the incident.

“The road must have been totally blocked for a while at least, as the traffic was appalling.”

No further information regarding the injured parties was released by the police.

Yesterday’s accident came just five days after yet another two lives were claimed following a crash on the notorious road.

Two women in their 70s died following that collision, prompting yet more calls for the A9 to be completely dualled along its 114-mile stretch between Perth and Inverness.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said that the huge number of accidents proved there was now an “an unanswerable case” for upgrading the remaining single carriageway sections of the road.

In response First Minister Alex Salmond insisted the A9 was being upgraded on a “step by step” basis while finance secretary and North Tayside MSP John Swinney claimed the SNP government remained committed to dualling the route.

“There have been recurring safety problems with the A9 and the most recent opening of the Ballinluig junction was a response to those issues,” Mr Swinney said.

“Quite clearly there is a need for further safety improvements to be undertaken.”