A 16-year-old girl has died in a horrific accident on the A9 near Auchterarder.
The tragedy happened shortly after 10pm on Tuesday. It is understood the girl, who has yet to be formally identified, was on foot and was hit by a number of vehicles.
Police say the accident was witnessed by a number of the girl’s friends who were close by at the time.
The girl’s body was found on the southbound carriageway. Emergency services immediately attended and closed the road in both directions.
Deputy Divisional Commander Superintendent Tony Beveridge said, “This has been a tragic incident involving a 16-year-old schoolgirl and our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.
“We have already had a number of drivers come forward reporting that they may have hit the girl as she lay on the carriageway. It would have been dark at the time of the incident and it’s possible that some drivers may even have thought that they have hit an animal.
“I would urge any drivers who were travelling on the A9 southbound last night to check their vehicles and to get in touch with us if there is any possibility that they may have hit something on the road.”
Supt Beveridge said officers were interviewing the girl’s friends.
“We have a full investigation team working in the area in a bid to establish what happened,” he added.
”If anyone can assist us with our enquiries I would urge them to get in touch with us on 0300 111 2222.”
The A9 is still closed in both directions. Southbound, it is closed between the Broxden roundabout and the A822 at Greenloaning. Northbound traffic is being diverted via the A822 to Crieff and continuing via the A85 to Perth. Southbound traffic is being diverted via the A85 at Crieff and to join the A822 at Greenloaning.
A police family liaison officer has been appointed and is with the family.