A woman was in hospital last night following a horrific two-vehicle crash in Aberdeenshire.
The 44-year-old casualty was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with serious head and ankle injuries after the smash which happened near the Carnie roundabout on the outskirts of Westhill.
The B9119 Westhill to Midmar road was completely closed after a green Peugeot and white DAF lorry collided near the Kirktown of Skene junction just before 1pm.
The vehicles had been travelling in opposite directions, but both ended up facing the same way with the woman’s mangled car coming to rest several yards from the lorry.
The front passenger side had collapsed inwards, while the windscreen was left buckled and shattered and the engine components twisted and exposed.
The woman was taken to ARI by ambulance under police escort.
The 51-year-old lorry driver was described as walking wounded by the ambulance service and was also taken to ARI.
Two fire crews were sent to the scene from North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen, but were not required. The B9119 was closed for seven hours while accident investigators carried out a detailed examination, taking measurements and photographs from different angles.
Police laid numbered markers at various points of the road as they tried to piece together what had happened. Specialist heavy-vehicle breakdown equipment was needed to move the lorry.
The accident led to some congestion in the areas, despite police warnings to avoid it.
The collision was the second in 24 hours in the Westhill area, after a three-car accident caused delays on the A944 on Thursday.
There were no injuries on that occasion, but the road between Kingswells and Aberdeen was partially blocked while the damaged cars were removed.
Councillor for the area, Ron McKail, became aware of the crash after being caught in a tailback as he was heading for Midmar.
He said: “When I hear about any accident I am concerned, but when someone is seriously hurt it is very sad and I wish the lady very well, and a speedy recovery.
“My thoughts go out to her and her family.”
Fellow councillor for Westhill and District, Iris Walker, echoed Mr McKail’s sentiments. She added: “Road safety is a big issue in the north-east and one casualty is one too many.
“Roads around Westhill are getting busier, although it is difficult to say what happened until inquiries are complete.”
Police appealed for witnesses to the crash to come forward last night.
Anyone who saw what happened, or saw either vehicle before the collision is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.