Lord Advocate affirms commitment to M9 crash FAI

The Lord Advocate has affirmed his predecessor’s view that it would be “inconceivable” not to hold an inquiry into the M9 crash last July which resulted in the deaths of two people.

Lamara Bell, 25, and John Yuill, 28, were found in their car three days after they crashed near Stirling. Mr Yuill died at the scene and Ms Bell later died in hospital.

It was subsequently revealed a witness had called police to say they had seen the car veer off-road but the call was not logged and emergency services did not attempt to look for the couple until three days after the crash.

The Lord Advocate, James Wolffe, has confirmed that there will be an FAI into the incident.

Writing to Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, he said: “As you know, the former Lord Advocate considered that this was a case of the utmost seriousness. He was committed to ensuring the matter was investigated thoroughly. I share that view.

“When the investigations, which go beyond the work the procurator fiscal has directed the PIRC (Police Investigations and Review Commissioner) to do, are completed the case must be reported to Crown counsel.

“All options that are open to Crown counsel when considering a sudden death will be available. One of these options is for Crown counsel to instruct that a fatal accident inquiry should be held. Like my predecessor, I consider it inconceivable that a fatal accident inquiry will not be held given the public concern over this tragedy.

“The investigations are, at present, ongoing and there is considerable work to do before the case can be reported to Crown counsel.”

Mr Rennie said: “The fact that the new Lord Advocate holds the same view as his predecessor is welcome. This will help ensure that no stone is left unturned as we seek the answers that we need over the tragic M9 crash. An FAI is the best way to ensure the circumstances that led to the crash and the failure to respond are fully understood. The families deserve nothing less.”