Driver, 20, dies after tree crash in West Lothian

A 20-year-old driver has died and his girlfriend is in hospital after crashing into a tree.

Picture: Police Scotland

The accident happened on the A705 near Seafield, West Lothian, at around 11.05am yesterday when the Vauxhall Astra came off the road.

Driver Louis Kefferty, 20, and his 18-year-old passenger Lauren White were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment to serious injuries.

Mr Kefferty died late last night, police said.

Police said Ms White is likely to be in hospital “for some time” but her injuries are not life-threatening.

In a Facebook post she said that her boyfriend had saved her life and made sure she was safe before tending to himself.

She wrote: “Yesterday I lost the most precious person in my life, he has been there for me no matter what and it has left a hole in my heart that will never mend.”

The road was closed for five hours while officers examined the scene and they are appealing for any witnesses.

Sergeant Brian Jones said: ‘’This tragic collision appears to have involved only one car. However, I am appealing to anyone who saw the collision or was driving on this road around this time and has any information which can assist us to call Police Scotland on 101 or provide the information through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’’

Meanwhile, two people are being treated in hospital after a head-on crash in Aberdeenshire.

Emergency services were called to the scene on the A96 Huntly to Glens of Foudland road at around 12.10pm yesterday.

The collision involved a silver BMW 3 series being driven east towards Inverurie by a 65-year-old woman and a black Audi A3 being driven west by a 58-year-old man. There were no passengers in either vehicle.

The woman was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by an RAF Lossiemouth search and rescue helicopter and remains in a serious condition.

The man was taken to the same hospital by ambulance and is being treated for a broken collarbone and other minor injuries.

Inspector Ewan Innes said: ‘’Our inquiries are at an early stage and at this time it is too early to speculate as to the exact cause of the collision.

‘’I am aware that there were several vehicles travelling on this section of the road at the time, and I would ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who has any information relating to this collision that has not yet come forward to please do so in order that we can speak to them.’’