Full Breakdown
Bus Crash on A9 North of Aviemore Leaves Two Hospitalized
4/12/2026, 9:21:28 PM
Incident Overview
On Sunday, April 12, 2023, an electric bus operated by Ember crashed down an embankment on the A9 road near the Granish Junction, north of Aviemore, at approximately 9:40 AM. The incident prompted a significant emergency response, involving firefighters, ambulance crews, and police. Two individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment, although details regarding the severity of their injuries have not been disclosed. The A9 was closed for about two hours following the crash but has since reopened.
Eyewitness Accounts
George Rennie, a passenger on another Ember service traveling from Glasgow to Inverness, arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. He reported that his bus was redirected upon receiving a message about the incident. Approximately seven passengers from the crashed bus were taken on board to be transported to Aviemore Train Station. Rennie noted that most of the passengers sustained only minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises.
Witnesses described the bus tipping while navigating a junction, with many passengers unaware of the impending danger until they heard a loud bang. Rennie recounted, “When the passengers got on they told us only half of them were wearing seatbelts. One guy was thrown to the floor and another smacked his face on the seat which cut his lip.” He added that many passengers were relaxed before the crash, only to be jolted forward when the bus collided.
Official Response
A spokesperson for Ember confirmed that one of their buses was involved in a single vehicle collision and expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their prompt response. The spokesperson stated, “We are of course fully supporting the police with their investigations.”
Criticism & Opposition
Concerns have been raised regarding passenger safety, particularly the reported lack of seatbelt use among those on the bus. Eyewitness accounts indicate that only half of the passengers were secured, which may have contributed to the injuries sustained during the crash. This has sparked discussions about the enforcement of safety regulations on public transport.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While two individuals were confirmed hospitalized, the exact number of passengers affected and the full extent of their injuries remain unclear. Eyewitness accounts suggest varying levels of injury, with some passengers reporting only minor cuts and bruises, while others experienced more significant impacts.
