A Dundee family has told how a sight-seeing trip turned to tragedy on one of Scotland’s deadliest roads.
Jake Anthony and partner Catherine Paterson were giving friends from Australia a tour of Perthshire when they were involved in a horrific smash on the A9, near Dunkeld.
Their silver Renault Megane was suddenly struck on the right-hand side by another car which veered across the road.
The collision happened near the Hermitage junction at around 2.30pm on Tuesday.
It is understood an elderly passenger in the second vehicle suffered a seizure just moments before the driver of the car lost control. Police have now confirmed that a 96-year-old died during the accident.
The Megane suffered extensive damage to the driver’s side and front. Driver Jake, 69, and Australian visitor Linda, 63 – who was in the seat behind him – had to be cut free from the car by firefighters. Linda’s husband Tony, 72, and Catherine, 63, managed to get out, largely unscathed.
Catherine’s daughter Kymberley Paterson said: “Because Tony and Linda were visiting from Australia, they had wanted to show them some of the local attractions. They had been to Glamis Castle and were on their way up to Pitlochry.
“The first I knew about the accident was when my mum phoned me from the side of the road, saying they had been involved in a big accident.
She said: “It was terrifying, but thankfully they weren’t too badly hurt. Linda was worst with three broken ribs, but the rest got away with cuts and bruises thankfully.”
All four were kept at Ninewells Hospital overnight, and released on Wednesday afternoon.
Kymberley said: “We are so very grateful to all the emergency services. They were just so professional and support throughout all of this and we can’t thank them enough.”
Police Scotland has appealed for any witnesses to get in touch.
A spokesman said: “Police Scotland along with other emergency services attended at the A9 near to Dunkeld yesterday at 2.30pm after reports of a road traffic collision.
“A 96-year-old man sadly died. Next of kin have been made aware.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
He added: “The northbound and southbound carriageway were closed to allow investigations surrounding the collision to be carried out.”
The A9 was reopened at around 8.30pm.
During the closure, most traffic was re-directed via Dunkeld, although HGVs were told to park up at the roadside.
