Fifteen hospitalised after A68 crash at Soutra

FIFTEEN people were taken to hospital after a five-car crash on the A68 at Soutra.

Five of the injured were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Picture: Jayne Wright

Emergency crews were called to the scene, close to the windfarm on top of Soutra Hill, at around 5.10pm yesterday.

A passing off-duty paramedic had stopped to give assistance before the emergency services arrived.

The fire service said two men and three women had to be cut free from two of the cars. Firefighters used hydraulic cutting gear to remove the roof from both vehicles. All five were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, both the women and two of the men suffering from spinal injuries, the other man with leg injuries,

The fire service said other “walking wounded” casualties were taken to Borders General Hospital.

Police said a north-bound Honda Civic had collided with several cars going in the opposite direction.

Five ambulances were involved along with Medic One. Three fire engines attended along with the major incident support unit from Newcraighall.

The road was closed for several hours in both directions to allow for investigation work to be carried out.