One dead and others injured as minibus crashes on way to Kelso

A man died and others were injured as a minibus believed to be taking an annual outing to Kelso races on Saturday left the road and overturned less than ten miles from the Scottish track.

Reports stated that 23 others, including the minibus driver, were taken to hospital with the emergency services declaring the accident a major incident.

Scottish Borders police issued a statement that read: "The incident took place on the A6089, between Carfraemill and Gordon, around 10.50am.

"The private minibus, travelling from Newtongrange to Kelso, was carrying 23 adult passengers plus the driver."

The injured were taken to Borders General Hospital, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for treatment with holidaying hospital staff called up to deal with the emergency.

The crash happened less than ten miles from Kelso racecourse, where racing began at 11.45am. Racegoers arriving at the track gave accounts of seeing the overturned bus, with others reporting diversions in the area after the crash.

Kelso was unable to confirm whether the minibus was making the near 40-mile journey from Newtongrange to attend the races.

Jonathan Garratt, Kelso's managing director, said: "A number of racegoers arriving at the course were talking about the accident and it seems very likely the group of people were coming to the races."

BBC Scotland understands the bus was carrying regulars from a pub on an annual outing to Kelso races.

Chief inspector Steven Duncan of Lothians & Scottish Borders police division said: "We're providing ongoing support to the family of the man who tragically lost his life, along with those who have been injured and their families.

"Our road policing unit, together with partners, are currently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this.

"We'd ask anyone who may be concerned that a loved one has been affected, or anyone who could help with our investigation, to get in touch immediately by calling 101 and quoting incident number 1369 of 29th December."