Crash deaths spark calls for speed trap

Flowers left at the scene of the crash. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Calls have been made to install a speed camera at the curve near Bridgend on Old Dalkeith Road following Friday night’s horror collision that left two men dead and a third fighting for his life in hospital.

It is understood the men had been driving towards Cameron Toll in a Hyundai when their car crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed into a Subaru Impreza at 11.10pm.

Loanhead dad-of-three Sean Allan, who was driving the Hyundai, and front-seat passenger Kyle Thomson, from Peebles, were both killed.

Back-seat passenger Raymond Thomson is understood to have been put into an induced coma and remains in a serious condition Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Today, Bridgend residents insisted the road should be upgraded and called for new traffic signs to be installed, emphasising the 30mph speed restrictions.

One resident, who declined to be identified, said there had been a series of accidents at the stretch of road where the accident occurred. None of them have been fatal until now, they said.

“Something needs to be done about this part of the road. There is a flashing sign that says it’s a 30mph zone but they need a speed camera.”

Another neighbour said they had witnessed four “really serious accidents” along the bend.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, the city’s transport convener, said: “This was an extremely serious and tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of all those affected.

“Police Scotland is currently investigating the full circumstances of what happened and will hold a fatal accident site visit in due course, which the council will attend.”

A police spokesman said inquiries were ongoing into the circumstances of the crash.

Witnesses told how two young men in the Subaru Impreza – understood to be from Mayfield and Newtongrange – had managed to free themselves from the wreckage and suffered minor injuries.

Floral tributes and a Rangers scarf have been placed at the scene by grieving relatives and friends, including Mr Allan’s partner, Charlene Tweed.

She wrote: “Baby I can’t believe you are gone, my world is torn. I’ll never, ever forget you Sean. Miss you so much, you are my one and only. Love you forever. Charlie and your beautiful kids.”

SEEN ALSO:

• Man fights for life after friends die in crash

• Old Dalkeith Road crash: Second victim named