A PENSIONER died yesterday following a crash near Methven, Perthshire.

Norman Dawson (66) was taken to hospital after his car careered off the road into a ditch.

He was freed by emergency service personnel and treated at the scene, staying conscious throughout. He was then taken to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, with a broken leg and ribs and internal injuries.

Tragically his condition deteriorated and police reported that he died in hospital at 10.40am yesterday.

Mr Dawson—a retired cattleman—was trapped in his Vauxhall Astra after the accident on the Methven-to-Glenalmond Road around 10.15am on Wednesday.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. They are particularly keen to trace the driver of a black Range Rover that was in the area at the time and they believe the driver may have witnessed the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to speak to any officer or call Tayside Police on 0845 6005705.

Mr Dawson lived at North Ardittie Farm, Methven, which has been rocked by a succession of tragedies.

Last month another pensioner, Jemima Balfour (79), died after a collision with a car as she crossed the road in the village.

Last January the community was left devastated when a crash on the A85 left three members of the same Methven family dead.

William Melville (67), his wife Allison (60) and their son, also William (33), all died, along with Donna Miller and Tanya Webster, both 19 and from Crieff.

The Melville family were well-known locally and Mrs Melville was a lollipop lady at Methven primary.

She had campaigned for improved road safety measures in the area and was made a MBE in 2002.

Strathearn Councillor Anne Younger last night said she was “devastated” to learn of the latest fatality.

“Everybody’s thoughts are with the deceased’s friends and family,” she said. “It is very sad to learn of this death—it is always devastating to hear of things like this happening.

“It is another tragedy for the local community.”