A man has died and 23 people have been injured after a minibus overturned in the Scottish Borders.
No other vehicle was involved in the crash which happened at about 10.50am on the A6089 between Carfraemill and Gordon.
Police Scotland said the private minibus was carrying 23 adult passengers plus the driver on a journey from Newtongrange to Kelso.
One male passenger was pronounced dead at the scene while 22 passengers and the driver were taken to hospital. The extent of their injuries is not known.
Those injured were being treated at Borders General Hospital, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow.
Police said the crash was declared a major incident with the Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, NHS Scotland and Scottish Borders Council involved.
Chief Inspector Steven Duncan said: “We’re providing ongoing support to the family of the man who tragically lost his life, along with those who have been injured and their families.
“Our road policing unit, together with partners, are currently working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this.
“We’d ask anyone who may be concerned that a loved one has been affected, or anyone who could help with our investigation, to get in touch immediately via 101 and quote incident number 1369 of 29 December.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We received a call to attend a road traffic accident involving a single vehicle minibus this morning on the A6089 near Gordon.
“Due to the number of passengers requiring assistance, we dispatched a large number of resources to the scene including our air ambulance, trauma and Special Operations Response Teams (SORT).
“Sadly, there was one male fatality and our thoughts go out to his family for their tragic loss.
“Twenty three other patients were treated by our crews and transported to Borders General Hospital, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for further treatment and care.”
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Additional reporting by PA
