Police watchdog to investigate wrong-way crash that left two dead

The police watchdog is set to investigate the circumstances of a crash that killed two men after one of them drove in the wrong direction down a motorway.

Police Scotland said a grey Ford Kuga was seen driving northwards on the southbound carriageway close to junction seven of the M90 near Kinross at around 10.30pm on Friday.

It collided with a white Vauxhall Corsa which was on the southbound part of the motorway.

The 44-year-old man driving the Kuga and the 20-year-old man driving the Corsa were both fatally injured.

Police Scotland confirmed a referral has since been made to the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to investigate.

A spokesperson said: “A referral of the circumstances of the incident has been submitted by Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department to the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner for consideration.”

Chief Inspector Lyne Williamson said on Saturday that an investigation was under way by Police Scotland “to establish the full circumstances of the crash”.

“Anyone who was travelling on the M90 at the time and witnessed what happened, or has dashcam footage that could assist our inquiries, is asked to contact officers as soon as possible,” the chief inspector added.

The M90 was closed southbound between junctions six and seven for around 16 hours to allow an investigation to be carried out.

Police Scotland released a further statement on Sunday evening, seeking to address “rumours” on social media about the incident.

Ms Williamson said: “Whilst on routine patrol, an officer in a marked police vehicle encountered a Ford Kuga travelling towards them in the wrong direction on a roundabout, near to the entrance of junction six of the M90.

“Blue lights were activated but the Kuga continued onto the southbound carriageway of the motorway, travelling north in the wrong direction.

“The police vehicle then proceeded onto the northbound carriageway, travelling north in the correct direction, before coming across the collision between the Ford Kuga and the Vauxhall Corsa on the opposing carriageway.

“In these circumstances, it is mandatory for a referral to be made to the Police Investigation & Review Commissioner.

“I would ask the public to please avoid further speculation and respect the privacy of the families involved. Our thoughts remain with them.”