Teenage girl killed in motorway minibus crash near Gretna

A teenage girl has died in a minibus crash on the A74(M) in the south of Scotland.

The accident involving a Ford Transit Tourneo and an articulated lorry happened at about 16:45 on Wednesday north of Gretna.

The 15-year-old was taken by ambulance to the Cumberland Infirmary where she later died.

A 42-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy are also in hospital in a critical condition.

A six-month-old girl, a seven-year-old boy, a 12-year-old boy and the 45-year-old male driver of the minibus were also taken to the Cumberland Infirmary where they were treated for minor injuries.

The road was closed for approximately 12 hours causing lengthy tailbacks in high temperatures and reopened at about 04:40 on Thursday.

Sgt Jonny Edgar said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family involved in this devastating incident, and specialist officers are supporting them during this time.

"An investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash and it is important we speak to anyone who was on the road at the time, and may have witnessed what happened or observed the minibus beforehand.

"We would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were travelling on the M74 on Wednesday afternoon to please check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our inquiries."

Many drivers reported being stuck in lengthy tailbacks on the motorway while the road was closed near the Eaglesfield junction.

Among them was Sarra Hoy, wife of Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, who tweeted: "Standstill M74 northbound, near Gretna, after what seems to be a dreadful accident. Not moving anytime soon."

People from the nearby village Kirkpatrick-Fleming brought food and drink to people stranded in the traffic.

Stephen Muir, 38, said: "I delivered about 100 ice lollies, about 150 bottles of water, juice, apples, crisps donated by people within the village and local businesses. I am the chairman of the community council and we are a close community, we like to help each other.

"I work all over the country and have been stuck in many accidents with no food or anything to drink.

"From my house I could see a few children standing outside the vehicles with parents. It was 26C outside so felt it's only right to go and offer help."