Seven people have been taken to hospital following a serious three-vehicle collision on the A96 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire.

The crash happened shortly before 7 a.m. on Wednesday near the Portsoy Junction. A four-wheel-drive vehicle, a minivan and a car were involved in the collision.

Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, with firefighters using specialist cutting equipment as they dealt with the damaged vehicles.

Two people were transported to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by air ambulance. Three additional patients were taken to the same hospital by road, while two others were transported to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.

Several emergency vehicles attended the incident, including five ambulances, an air ambulance and specialist response teams.

The A96 was closed in both directions while emergency crews worked at the scene. Police and other emergency services remained in the area as the incident was dealt with.

Motorists were advised to avoid the affected section of the road and use alternative routes while the closure remained in place.

The circumstances surrounding the collision are being investigated, and further information about the condition of those involved may be released as the situation develops.