A breakdown recovery driver was killed when his lorry toppled over while he was trying to pick a van from a ditch.
The incident happened at about 4.30am on Saturday morning on the B999 Aberdeen to Potterton road, near Udny Station.
The vehicle recovery driver, who worked for Kairdson Group, was trying to lift a Pitmedden Electrical Services van from the bottom of an embankment.
It is understood that the truck toppled over on top of him while he was operating the controls from the road.
Police, fire service and paramedics were all called to the scene but the man died from his injuries.
The road was closed for several hours yesterday while collision investigators examined the scene.
A Health and Safety Executive investigation has also been launched.
The closure caused major disruption north of the city for much of the day.
The congestion was exacerbated because a section of the A90 Aberdeen to Fraserburgh road was closed for re-surfacing.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
Mid-Formartine ward councillor Paul Johnston said: “This was a crash at the notorious Tillycorthie bends, where drivers regularly come off the road.
“Unfortunately this ended in tragic circumstances.
“Everyone is shocked by this news and it’s a salutary reminder that road conditions can be dangerous even for recovery vehicles.”
Councillor Jim Gifford, also Mid-Formartine, added: “Any accident is terrible for everyone involved but especially so in this instance when it’s someone who is helping other people.”
A spokeswoman for the breakdown recovery firm said: “Kairdson Group are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our most experienced colleagues was fatally injured yesterday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
“He will be sorely missed.
“A full investigation will be carried out, as is standard practice, into the details of this tragic incident in cooperation with the appropriate authorities.”
It is the second death north of Aberdeen in a matter of days.
Casey Rodger was killed after her car veered off the old A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead road and hit a dry stone dyke at the entrance to Trump International Golf Links, at the Menie Estate, earlier this month.
Her black Volkswagen Golf was travelling towards Aberdeen when the accident happened.