First picture of Rangers fan who died on bus crash as 18 others seriously injured in hospital after coach overturns on way to match

A RANGERS fan was killed and three seriously hurt when a coach taking them to yesterday’s match careered off the road.

Ryan Baird, 39, died and 18 people were taken to hospital.

It is thought the bus skidded or clipped a roundabout before flipping. No other vehicles were involved.

Ryan Rowe saw the aftermath, saying: “People were trapped. One man was in tears, shaking.
“Another had blood all over his arm. Several windows were smashed.”

Emergency teams raced to the scene at the A76 near Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, at 1.15pm.

Ryan Rowe saw the aftermath, saying: “People were trapped. One man was in tears, shaking.
“Another had blood all over his arm. Several windows were smashed.”
Emergency teams raced to the scene at the A76 near Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, at 1.15pm.

18 passengers were initially rushed to Crosshouse hospital in Kilmarnock, with Police Scotland stating three supporters were seriously injured.

Partner Sarah Hughes said Mr Baird, originally from Northern Ireland, loved the club.

Rangers Managing Director Stewart Robertson said: “Everyone at the football club and every member of our Rangers family is thinking of all of those caught up in this terrible accident.

"Clearly this is a deeply distressing time and the Board extend our deepest sympathies and concerns.

“While winning today’s match was of vital importance everything that happened on the pitch between 3pm and 5pm pales into insignificance in light of this awful news.”

A police statement said: "Police Scotland can confirm a 39 year old man has died following a serious coach crash on the A76 near Crosshouse Roundabout.

";A report will be prepared for the Procurator Fiscal.

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

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

The coach was carrying fans travelling to watch their team play Partick Thistle when it crashed on the A76, in Ayrshire.

Early reports had suggested one victim was air-lifted to hospital but this is NOT the case.

A chopper brought the emergency trauma team to the scene but none of the injured left by air.

The bus was carrying 36 supporters and one passenger has reportedly said the bus had "swerved" before ending up on its side, off the road.

Reports suggest there are currently five fire engines and several ambulances at the scene.

A police spokesperson said: “Police were made aware of crash involving a coach at 1.15pm on the A76 at Crosshouse roundabout.

“Emergency services at the scene."The road is currently closed.”

Inspector Darren Faulds, Road Policing Unit, said:“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the crash and anyone with any information is asked to call road policing officers at Irvine Police Office on 101."

Whilst a spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call following an incident involving a bus on the A76 at 13.14pm.