A9 crash victims named

Aftermath: the scene of the wreckage on the A9© STV

Police have named the two victims of a serious road smash on the A9 on Monday.

Michael Dennish, 32, a care assistant and Manju Dennish, also 32 and a nurse, both died at the scene.

Police say the pair, originally from the Kottayam area of Kerala in India, were living in Inverness. They were travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa and died when their vehicle crashed into a 4x4 on the northbound carriageway of the Inverness to Perth road.

The emergency services rushed to the scene about a mile and a half south of Dalwhinnie at around 12.15pm. The accident closed both lanes and caused drivers to detour through Spean Bridge and Fort William, adding hours onto their journey time.

Local Councillor Dave Fallows said he was devastated by the latest tragedy on the A9. He said: "This is tragic for all families involved. Accidents have occurred here before, but it is obviously to early to know what happened.

"However, the sooner the whole of the road is duelled then the better. It would make the route much safer. Work is underway at Crubenmore, which is nearby, and that has to be applauded.

"But there are too many accidents happening on the A9. This spot in particular is difficult at this time of the year with the low sun, leaving many motorists having to slow down at this spot."

Next of kin have been informed and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

More About A9 deaths