A shocking automobile accident unfolded in the vicinity of Stirling, resulting in a car with two people inside, undetected for three days following a significant “organisational failure” in the handling of emergency phone calls by the police, a fatal accident inquiry has unveiled.
Tragically, Lamara Bell, 25, and John Yuill, 28, lost their lives when their car deviated off the M9 on July 5, 2015, during their journey back from a camping adventure.
Their Renault Clio remained unnoticed for an astonishing three days before being finally detected on July 8, despite an initial call having been made to the police.
John, a father of five, breathed his last at the spot of the accident, while Lamara, a mother of two, succumbed her injuries four days later in hospital. Sheriff James Williamson affirmed the existence of no system to reconcile officers’ notes with action taken.
Sheriff Williamson iterated, “The incident is a clear manifestation of Police Scotland’s failure to accurately assess the risk associated with their call handling procedures and establish a system of reconciliation. This failure has led to a compromise in public safety and the tragic events that unfolded on July 5.”
Information came to light during the inquest that Lamara may have survived if she had received treatment on the day of the accident. It was also revealed that former sergeant Brian Henry, who neglected to record a call reporting the incident, was inadequately trained.
The accident scene at Junction 9 of the M9 became the center of the police search subsequent to the devastating 2015 crash. Expressing his views on the case, Sheriff Williamson noted that the Bilston Glen call centre was operating under severe staff shortage, leading to a state of confusion among officers about the system.
James McMillan, the grandfather of Lamara’s 14-year-old son, Kieran, expressed his grief saying, “Although investigations and hindsight are important, they can’t bring back Lamara and John. No amount of self-examination, remorse or financial compensation can replace our loss.”
When solicited for a statement, Police Scotland declined to comment.
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