A FOUR year-old boy was among those killed in a horror crash between a minibus and a car on one of Scotland's busiest roads.

Five people died and five more are being treated in hospital following the accident, on the A96 in Moray between Huntly and Keith, which happened shortly before midnight on Thursday.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said the A96 was one of Scotland's busiest roads and the loss of life was "difficult to take in".

READ MORE: Five dead in horror minibus crash

He said: "This is a truly horrific accident that has shocked the community given that so many people use the A96 day-in-day-out.

"The fact that there are so many casualties has been difficult for people to take in and with such a loss of life everyone's thoughts are with those affected and their loved ones and friends at this difficult time.

"I pay tribute to the emergency services who dealt with what was a major road traffic accident.

"The A96 is the key route through Moray and anyone heading north from Aberdeen is likely to use this route.

"It's one of Scotland's busiest roads and a horrific accident of this nature with so many lives lost and people injured is difficult to take in."

READ MORE: Five dead in horror minibus crash

Moray MP Douglas Ross tweeted: "Terrible news this morning. Five people were killed on the A96 last night and another five injured.

"Our thoughts are with all affected at this time."

A section of the A96 remains closed with local diversions in place.
Police Scotland road policing sergeant Peter Henderson said: "Motorists are thanked for their patience at this time and we would urge anyone who was in the area last night leading up to the incident at around 11.50pm to please get in touch as our inquiries at the scene continue.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident at this very sad time."