Lorry driver killed in wall smash

The man was crushed under rubble after the vehicle crashed into the wall next to a house on the A98 Banff to Fraserburgh road, three miles east of Banff.

The unnamed driver, who is in his 50s, was transporting grain for Mintlaw Transport. His death was the second tragedy to hit the Les Taylor Group in as many weeks, after its owner died last Monday.

Mr Taylor, 57, founder of the Les Taylor Group and vice-chairman of Peterhead FC, died suddenly after suffering an aneurysm.

Yesterday's accident happened at about 5.40am. The lorry flipped on its side and left the road crashing into two parked cars in a driveway before ploughing into the boundary wall of a house. Firefighters battled through rubble to free the man, but he was pronounced dead by the time they reached him.

The driver of the lorry was from the Mintlaw area. It is believed heavy downpours may have contributed to the crash.

Banff councillor John Cox said the road is notorious for bad accidents and he is seeking a review of safety measures, including traffic.