One of the north’s busiest roads was closed in both directions last night following a three vehicle crash.
Police shut the A96 near Gollanfield Bridge after the multi-vehicle smash brought traffic east of Inverness to a standstill.
The incident happened shortly after 4.40pm sparking a major response from emergency services across the region.
One casualty was released by firefighters from one of the vehicles involved before being placed into the hands of the ambulance service.
A fire spokeswoman said: “No hydraulic cutting gear was in use. One casualty was released from the car onto a spinal board with suspected injuries.”
Four fire appliances from Inverness raced along the A96 with blue lights flashing shortly before 5pm to assist one team from Nairn at the scene; after first receiving the call at 4.47pm.
Two appliances were subsequently turned back, but the remaining two stayed at the scene for some time.
Paramedics were also requested to attend, with one ambulance from Inverness dispatched to help treat injured casualties.
It is understood no-one involved suffered life threatening injuries as a result of the crash.
Earlier inthe day, traffic in Inverness was left at a standstill following a two vehicle collision on the A96.
The incident involving a black Kia Rio and another vehicle occurred at Raigmore Interchange around 12.20pm yesterday afternoon.
Police and paramedics were both on the scene alongside workers from Bear Scotland.
No-one is believed to have been seriously injured as a result of the crash.
Roads across the area became gridlocked for around 50 minutes as personnel worked to clear the carriageway for motorists.
Traffic was backed up along Millburn Road and the A96, affecting motorists coming in and out of Inverness Retail Park.