Elderly tourists hurt as coach overturns

Thirteen holidaymakers were injured today when their coach overturned.

The bus, travelling from the Highlands to Warrington, crashed on the A9 near Dalwhinnie in Inverness-shire.

Some of the elderly passengers, all from north west England, had to be cut free from the single-decker coach.

Four people and the bus driver were taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

The other nine travellers who were hurt were described as walking wounded.

A total of 33 people were on the Stratton-bound coach which overturned just before 9am. No other vehicles were involved.

The A9 was temporarily closed in both directions as police, ambulance and fire crews attended the scene.

A spokesman for the coach tour operator, Shearings, said: "We are aware of the incident and have trained Shearings representatives with passengers and others on their way to Scotland.

"The driver of the coach is being treated at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

"Another two passengers have been taken to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, and a further two passengers are at Perth Royal Infirmary.

"The remaining 29 passengers have gone to a local hotel.

"Shearings will ensure passengers are transported home at the earliest opportunity."

A Northern Constabulary spokeswoman said: "Arrangements will be made for the onward transfer of these people as soon as possible.

"Efforts are being made to fully re-open the A9 as soon as possible."