Road Traffic Accident – Kingussie Primary School

The Highland Council can confirm that pupils of Kingussie Primary School were involved in a road traffic accident on the A9 near Ralia, south of Newtonmore this morning (Wednesday, 02 May 2007)

Twenty eight primary 5 pupils (ages 9 – 10 years old) were on a day-trip to Bannockburn and Wallace Monument near Stirling, They were travelling on a hire coach with 1 teacher and 3 parents in attendance. The coach left Kingussie just after 08:30 am.

None of those on board the coach required hospital treatment. Arrangements are being made for the pupils, teacher and parents to be returned to Kingussie via minibus transport.

Patricia Lockhart, head teacher of the 156-pupil school, confirmed the 28 Primary 5 pupils, class teacher and three parent supervisors had escaped injury in the crash.

The teacher escorting the party had ensured that all the children were wearing a seatbelt.

Mrs Lockhart said: "Some pupils suffered minor bumps and bruises but thankfully none required treatment and I am sure this is due to the children wearing their seatbelts.  After the accident, the party was taken back to the school and pupils were picked up by parents or guardians. All were home by 10.30 am.

"This has been a traumatic experience for the young children, and I will be holding an assembly tomorrow (Thursday) for the whole school to emphasise that the children involved are all safe and well. It is terribly sad that someone lost their life in this accident."

                                                    -ends-