A holiday in Royal Deeside turns into a nightmare for Richard and Shirley.
What was meant to be a relaxing getaway in the picturesque Royal Deeside turned into a harrowing experience for Richard Keane, 62, and his partner Shirley Stewart, 64. The couple, who had traveled from Dunfermline, found themselves in a life-threatening situation when a coach veered off course, crashing through a wall and narrowly missing them as they enjoyed a snack on a park bench.
A peaceful moment shattered
On a serene weekend, Richard and Shirley stopped in Dinnet, a quaint village in Deeside, to take a break. They settled on a bench under a tree, savoring their snacks and the beautiful surroundings. However, their tranquility was abruptly disrupted by a loud bang from the nearby A93 road.
Richard recalled, “We had just sat down for five minutes when the coach came careering towards us.”
Shirley, who was seated beside him, spotted the approaching vehicle and shouted for Richard to run. In a moment of panic, Richard instinctively moved towards the oncoming coach, a decision that could have cost him dearly. “I managed to get out of the way just in time,” he said, reflecting on the terrifying seconds that felt like an eternity.
The aftermath of chaos
The coach, having mounted a parked car, crashed into a tree where the couple had been sitting moments before. Richard described the scene as chaotic, with debris flying everywhere. “I thought I was going to get seriously injured,” he admitted. Fortunately, both Richard and Shirley escaped without physical harm, but the emotional toll was significant.
After the crash, the couple was left in shock, having to leave their belongings behind as emergency services arrived. Some of their possessions were damaged beyond repair due to petrol leaking from the vehicles involved. “Everything fell silent after the crash,” Richard recalled, emphasizing the surreal nature of the incident.
Looking ahead
Despite the traumatic experience, Richard and Shirley are determined to move forward. Richard, still shaken, was unable to return to work the following Monday, while Shirley was left feeling very upset. However, the couple plans to return to Deeside in a few weeks, hoping to reclaim the joy of their holiday destination.
Authorities confirmed that there were no serious injuries from the incident, but the couple’s brush with danger serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. As Richard poignantly stated, “It makes you think that someone’s looking down on you.” Their story is a testament to the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
