Man dies as coach carrying Rangers fans 'swerves' and crashes on A76

A 39-year-old man has died after a coach carrying Glasgow Rangers football fans crashed next to a roundabout in East Ayrshire.

Police said 18 people were taken to hospital, with three in a serious condition, after the crash near the Crosshouse Roundabout on the A76.

The incident happened shortly before 1.15pm with 36 people on board. The coach was carrying passengers from the Nith Valley Loyal Rangers Supporters' Club.

"Eighteen people are receiving treatment in hospital, three of whom are in a serious condition," said Police Scotland.

"This includes seven men under 20 years of age, three men and three women aged between 30 and 59 and five men over 60."

Pictures show the vehicle on its side with an emergency door wide open. A screen was also erected around part of the damaged coach.

A helicopter trauma team was among "ten resources" sent to help, said the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The man who died has been named as Ryan Baird, from Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway, but originally from Northern Ireland.

Louise Evanne Baird, his cousin, said he was an "amazing" man who would be "sadly missed".

His partner, Sarah Hughes, said he loved his club - as many of his friends and family changed their profile pictures on social media to a Nith Valley scarf in his memory.

Ryan Rowe, from Darvel, East Ayrshire, was driving to work when he passed the crash scene.

He said: "One man I spoke to was just sitting down and in tears and he was shaking. He said the bus had swerved.

"Another young man had cuts all over his arm and blood all the way down it. He was holding it in the air to try and stop the bleeding."

Mr Rowe added: "Two or three windows on the bus had been smashed and when I was there paramedics were still trying to get people out of the other side that the bus was lying on."

Rangers beat Partick Thistle 2-0 at Ibrox Stadium this afternoon.

Following the match, Rangers assistant manager David Weir said: "Our thoughts are with the people involved, the families involved, and I'm sure the club will be very supportive in regards to anything they can do to help the situation."

Rangers' Joey Barton also tweeted: "Thoughts are with the Rangers fans involved in the bus crash today. Wish them all a speedy recovery."

Nith Valley Loyal Rangers Supporters' Club said in a statement: "The club would like to thank everyone for their
good wishes and concern at this sad time."

Police are still trying to establish the cause of the crash but anyone with information is asked to call Irvine Police on 101.