A teenage girl cheated death days before her birthday when a car careered into a bus stop, killing a man standing beside her.
The horror impact flung Chloe Donaldson, 18, and the 70-year-old pensioner 15ft into the air, propelling them into a hotel car park.
Investigators have remained at the tragedy scene – a stretch of dual-carriageway opposite a police station.
The collision occurred at 7.55pm on Saturday on Inverurie Road, near its junction with Gilbert Road, in Aberdeen’s Bucksburn area.
It involved a black BMW estate car, a silver Nissan Pixo car and the two pedestrians at a bus stop at the Britannia Hotel.
The pensioner, who has yet to be named, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chloe suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to nearby Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where she remains stable.
But yesterday she took to a public forum on social media to thank well-wishers. She posted: “Thank you and yeah the guy at the bus stop died. I’m lucky I got away, thoughts are with his family.”
Chloe, who turns 19 on Friday, told friends: “I was hit by the car at the bus stop along with another man.”
She said one car came “round the corner and hit another car, hit the bus shelter and knocked both of us roughly 15ft into the Britannia car park”.
There was a huge emergency response to the incident, which is not thought to be joy-riding related.
Eyewitnesses described it as a major accident which involved four ambulances and a number police vehicles.
One said the bus shelter was “all smashed to pieces” and a police officers with dogs had chased one suspect who fled the scene.
Appealing for information Sergeant Craig McNeill said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”
He added: “I’m extremely interested in speaking to anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who may have seen either vehicle beforehand.
“I’d also like to hear from anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage of the incident.”
Tributes were paid across social media to the dead man and from people wishing Chloe a speedy recovery. Arlene Jane Foreman posted: “RIP to the man. My thoughts are with his family and friends and I hope quick recovery to the young lass.”
Sharon Gray added: “What a shame, RIP. thinking of his family x also wishing the lady a speedy recovery x.”
Claire Watson said: “Chloe Donaldson, hope you get better soon and make a good recovery, thoughts also to the gentleman’s family that sadly lost his life.”
Stewart Ingram said: “Chloe Donaldson hope you are okay and if you get offered counselling or similar. Take it as it will help. Don’t shut away what happened take care.”
Gayle Leith posted: “Chloe Donaldson, this is awful news, hope you are not too badly hurt,.Poor guy, thoughts are with his family at this really sad time.”
Gemz Jamieson posted: “Glad you’re OK but you must be in heavy shock. Rest up and take all help offered, so tragic for that man’s family and may he RIP."
Pamela Burnett added: “This is heartbreaking. Thoughts with everyone concerned and emergency services xx."
Alison Shearer said: “So sad for the family. Thoughts are with you all. Hope the young girl is OK.”
Diane Rendall added: “RIP those who lost their lives and thoughts are with their families.
“I hope the lassie recovers well. I knew it was a bad accident when I was on my way home and the bus diverted for hours.”
Sharron Nicola Johnstone said: “Thoughts are with the man’s family, may he rest in peace and the young woman too.
“Hope she makes a full recovery.”
