Two men lost their lives after a wrong-way vehicle struck another car on the M90; police are asking motorists to come forward
The motorway collision took place on the M90 near Kinross on 17 April, 2026 at about 10.30pm. A grey Ford Kuga was observed travelling northbound on the southbound carriageway before it struck a white Vauxhall Corsa that was heading south.
The drivers of both vehicles — a 44-year-old man in the Kuga and a 20-year-old man in the Corsa — suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Families of the deceased have been notified and emergency services responded to the incident.
Traffic was disrupted for many hours while responders worked at the scene. The southbound M90 was closed between junctions six and nine for around 16 hours to allow forensic and collision investigators to carry out their enquiries, and the northbound carriageway was also shut briefly overnight.
Forensic examination and witness interviews were among the activities that required the extended closure, after which the motorway has since reopened. Authorities stress the importance of preserving any evidence that could clarify the circumstances of the crash.
The sequence of events
Police accounts indicate that the accident unfolded when a grey Ford Kuga was seen driving in the wrong direction on the southbound carriageway near junction seven. Seconds later it collided head-on with a southbound white Vauxhall Corsa. A head-on collision of this nature typically results in significant impact forces, which is why investigators treat such scenes as urgent and complex. Officers on site noted the immediate severity of the crash and called in specialist teams to document the scene and gather physical evidence.
Location and timing
The location close to junction seven places the crash within a busy section of the M90, where high speeds can amplify the consequences of a wrong-way vehicle. The reported time — about 10.30pm on 17 April, 2026 — is being used by investigators to cross-check traffic camera footage and witness accounts. Emergency services coordinated recovery and scene management, with crews working through the night to ensure the carriageways could be reopened safely once enquiries were complete.
Investigation and police appeal
Police Scotland has opened a formal investigation to determine how the incident happened and to establish whether any contributory factors, such as vehicle defects or impairment, played a part. Chief Inspector Lyne Williamson from the Operational Support Division offered condolences to the families and said officers are working to piece together the full circumstances. The force is actively seeking the help of anyone who was on the M90 at the time and may have seen the vehicle movements or captured footage on a dashcam.
How to provide information
Members of the public who have relevant information are asked to contact police as soon as possible. Information can be supplied by calling Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3758 of 17 April, 2026. Investigators specifically request dashcam clips, eyewitness accounts, and any details about the Kuga’s direction of travel before the collision. Witness statements and video evidence can be crucial in reconstructing events and offering answers to grieving families.
Impact and safety reminders
Beyond the immediate investigation, the crash serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with wrong-way driving on high-speed roads. Local authorities and road safety organisations often stress simple measures — such as clear signage, driver vigilance, and compliance with diversion instructions — to reduce such incidents. The extended closure between junctions six and nine also affected commuters and freight movements, highlighting how a single collision can ripple through transport networks for many hours.
Police continue to appeal for anyone with information or footage to come forward. Those who witnessed the incident, or who think they may hold relevant dashcam recordings, should call 101 and quote reference number 3758 of 17 April, 2026. The investigation remains ongoing and officers aim to provide clarity to the families and the wider community as enquiries progress.
