Two left with spinal injuries after crash

Two people were taken to hospital with spinal injuries after a two-car crash near Penicuik last night.

Two people were taken to hospital. Picture: Greg Macvean

The incident took place on the A702 just outside Penicuik at around 8.45pm.

The vehicles had collided before landing around 100 metres apart.

Fire engines from Dalkeith and Penicuik arrived at the scene but called in a third appliance from Sighthill due to the distance between the cars.

Firefighters used cutting gear to free two people - one in each car - while a further occupant was described as “walking wounded”.

The two people who had been trapped were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary to be treated for spinal injuries.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police in Midlothian were called to a two-car road traffic collision on the A702 near Penicuik.

“The incident occurred yesterday at around 8.45pm when a Vauxhall Meriva and a Volkswagen Sharan were involved in a collision.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service attended and both male drivers, aged 27 and 83, were taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

“The 27-year-old was released after treatment, however the 83-year-old has remained in hospital overnight for observation.

“The road was closed temporarily and has now reopened.

“Trunk Road Patrol officers from Dalkeith are investigating and enquiries are currently ongoing.”