Two people are fighting for their lives today and four more are seriously injured after a two-car crash on a major north-east road.
The incident happened at around 6pm last night at Toll of Birness on the A90 Peterhead-Aberdeen route.
Police, fire and paramedic crews were all called to the scene and three casualties had to be freed by firefighters.
The collision involved a white Peugeot 207 and a silver Volkswagen Passat.
There were two occupants within the Volkswagen, which was travelling northbound on the A90 at the time of the smash.
A 66-year-old woman who was a front seat passenger has sustained life threatening injuries, while the 70-year-old male driver sustained serious injuries which are not life threatening.
Four people had been travelling in the Peugeot 207 as it travelled southbound on the route. The front seat passenger, an 18-year-old female, sustained serious injuries and is in a critical condition in hospital.
The 18-year-old female driver of the Peugeot and the rear seat passengers, two males both aged 18, also sustained serious but not life threatening injuries
Police confirmed this morning that the six casualties were all taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and are still being treated for their injuries.
Sergeant Peter Henderson of the Road Policing Department said: “Our thoughts at this difficult time are with those involved and their families.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we have already spoken with a number of witnesses. I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw either vehicle in the lead-up to this incident, or indeed the collision itself, to please get in touch.
“Likewise if any motorists believe they may have dashcam footage which could assist our enquiries, I would urge you to come forward.
“Anyone with information can contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 in confidence.”
The road was closed for nine hours but re-opened at around 3am.