A 39-year-old man has died after a coach carrying Glasgow Rangers football supporters crashed on the way to a Scottish Premiership match. Eighteen other people are recovering in hospital.
One fan was cut free from the wreckage and airlifted to hospital. Among those also taken to hospital were two women, one who injured her leg and another who sustained cuts to her head and ear.
The accident happened on Saturday lunchtime at a roundabout on the A76 near Kilmarnock in Ayrshire as the coach was taking the fans to Ibrox stadium for a home match against Partick Thistle. One passenger said the bus, which was carrying 36 passengers plus the driver, had swerved before toppling on to its side on a grass verge.
The fan who died was named by a family member as Ryan Baird, from Sanquhar. His cousin, Louise Evanne Baird, said he was “amazing” and would be “sadly missed”. His partner, Sarah Hughes, also paid tribute to him, saying he had loved the club.
According to reports on social media, the bus was carrying the Nith Valley Loyal Rangers supporters. The road was closed in both directions throughout the afternoon and emergency services remained at the scene as accident investigators began their inquiries.
Insp Darren Faulds of the road policing unit said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the crash, and anyone with any information is asked to call road policing officers at Irvine police office on 101.”
A woman, who did not wish to be named, said her mother was a passenger on the bus and had to escape through the emergency window. “Thankfully she and her friends got out of the emergency window by kicking it in. They’re all currently at Crosshouse hospital being treated for their wounds,” she said.
Police Scotland said in a statement: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 39-year-old man has died following a serious coach crash on the A76 near Crosshouse roundabout. Eighteen people are receiving treatment in hospital, three of whom are in a serious condition. This includes seven men under 20 years of age, three men and three women aged between 30 and 59, and five men over 60. A report will be prepared for the procurator fiscal.”
The Rangers managing director, Stewart Robertson, said: “Everyone at the football club and every member of our Rangers family is thinking of all of those caught up in this terrible accident.
“Clearly this is a deeply distressing time and the board extend our deepest sympathies and concerns. While winning today’s match was of vital importance everything that happened on the pitch between 3pm and 5pm pales into insignificance in light of this awful news.”
In a club statement, Rangers said they were was “deeply saddened” by the crash, adding: “Our profound condolences go to the gentleman who has died and our thoughts are with his family.
“We are also thinking of those who have been injured and taken to hospital.”
The other side of the Old Firm released a statement passing on their condolences. Celtic said: “In relation to news of today’s accident involving Rangers supporters on their way to the match, everyone at Celtic sends our sincere condolences following the death of a supporter. We would like of course to also offer our best wishes to all those involved in this accident.
“We understand a significant number of people have been affected and our thoughts are very much with them at what will be a difficult time for all these supporters and their families.”
