Image copyright
Newsline media
Three people have died in a road accident involving a coach and two cars in Aberdeenshire.
Police said four people were also injured in the collision on the A90 Aberdeen-Dundee road at Glenbervie at about 16:30.
Their injuries are serious but not life-threatening and they are being treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
No passengers on the Citylink coach involved in the accident were hurt but the driver sustained minor injuries.
The accident also involved a red Renault Megane and a silver Ford B Max.
Ch Insp Stewart Mackie, of Police Scotland, said: "This has been a challenging incident for the emergency services to deal with and my thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this."
He appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision to get in touch with the police.
Ch Insp Stewart Mackie added: "The road is anticipated to remain closed for some time to allow collision investigation to take place," he added.
'Complex inquiry'
"This is likely to be a complex enquiry that will take some time and I am grateful to the public for their patience while this is carried out. Further details will follow once they are available."
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said the road was currently closed in both directions and members of the public have been advised to avoid the area.
Stagecoach confirmed that one of their Citylink Gold coaches was also involved.
A spokesman said: "One of our coaches travelling from Glasgow to Aberdeen was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident this afternoon on the A90 near Glenbervie Junction. Our immediate thoughts are for those involved in the incident.
"Safety is our absolute priority and we will assist police with their inquiries into the circumstances. There were no reported injuries to passengers travelling on the coach and they were provided with alternative transport to take them to Aberdeen bus station."