23 August 2023 , 20:49
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The death of a bus driver five days after being involved in a crash is now being treated as a murder investigation, police tonight confirmed.
Gordon Stirling's single-decker Stagecoach collided with a white Ford Transit van on the A77 in East Ayrshire last Monday afternoon. Mr Stirling, 23, was dashed to hospital, but was declared dead five days later. Police Scotland has now opened a murder probe, and continues to appeal for information.
The 42-year-old driver of the van was taken to hospital having suffered serious injuries in the crash, which happened at around 5.30pm at a busy junction.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer McCulloch, of Police Scotland, said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. Our thoughts remain with the family of Gordon Stirling and we are providing them with support as the investigation progresses.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage which may assist is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 3147 of Monday, 14 August, 2023."
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Stagecoach paid its respects to its colleague, who was from Crosshouse, Ayrshire. The company also said that a full investigation is ongoing into the incident.
Fiona Docherty, Stagecoach West Scotland's managing director said that the entire workforce has been left devastated by the young man's passing and that their heartfelt condolences go out to Gordon's family and friends.
Ms Doherty said: "The whole Stagecoach team is devastated about this and we all send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We are also supporting those colleagues at Stagecoach who knew him.
"We thank the emergency services for their response and the NHS team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. A full investigation is underway into this incident."
Following news of Gordon's death tributes flooded in on social media. One person said: "I may drive lorries, Gordon drove buses but absolutely nobody should go to their work and not return home in any circumstances, not least in the most horrifying way Gordon suffered on Monday night... Thoughts go out to absolutely everyone connected to this absolutely tragic loss of life. May you be the driving force in heaven mate."