A major crash on the A96 near Inverness Airport forced the busy Highland trunk road to close for more than four hours overnight on December 5 into December 6, 2025. Emergency crews, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, rushed to the scene at Drumine, highlighting ongoing safety worries on this vital route between Inverness and Nairn.
Details of the Overnight Incident
The collision happened just before 9:30pm at Drumine, a spot east of Inverness Airport. Police and fire teams arrived quickly after reports came in at 9:27pm.
No immediate details emerged on the number of vehicles or injuries, but the response suggested a serious event. Local drivers faced sudden detours as the road shut down in both directions.
Witness accounts from nearby areas described hearing sirens and seeing flashing lights for hours. The exact cause remains under investigation, with weather or road conditions possibly playing a role in the winter night.
Officials confirmed the scene cleared by early morning, but the event disrupted late night travel for many.
Emergency Services Response
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service led the effort, sending four fire engines and a heavy rescue unit to handle the situation. Two engines and the rescue unit came from Inverness, while the others arrived from Nairn.
Crews worked on site until 10:18pm, focusing on safety and any potential extrications. Their quick action likely prevented worse outcomes.
Police managed traffic and secured the area, urging people to avoid the route. No air ambulance was mentioned, unlike some past incidents on this road.
This response shows the readiness of Highland emergency teams, who often deal with rural road challenges.
Here is a quick overview of the key response elements:
- Fire Engines Deployed: Four units from Inverness and Nairn.
- Special Equipment: One heavy rescue unit for complex extractions.
- Stand Down Time: Crews left the scene at 10:18pm.
Impact on Traffic and Local Area
The closure lasted until around 2am, causing backups and forcing drivers onto side roads. Traffic Scotland warned of delays, with some journeys adding extra time.
Local businesses near the airport felt the pinch, as the A96 serves as a main link for commuters and freight. One driver shared on social media about being stuck for over an hour.
Diversions through smaller Highland paths led to minor gridlock, but no further incidents occurred. The road reopened without major issues by morning rush.
This event adds to growing calls for improvements on the A96, a route known for heavy use and accident risks.
| Time | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 9:27pm | Crash reported at Drumine | Immediate road closure begins |
| 9:53pm | Emergency services arrive | Traffic diverted locally |
| 10:18pm | Fire crews stand down | Investigation continues |
| 2:00am | Road reopens | Normal flow resumes with minor delays |
History of Crashes on the A96
The A96 has seen multiple serious accidents in recent years, raising safety concerns. In July 2025, a two vehicle crash near Newton of Petty closed the road and sent two people to hospital by air.
Earlier in 2024, a fatal three vehicle collision at Redhill claimed one life and injured three others. These events highlight the dangers of this single carriageway stretch.
Campaigns for dualling the A96 from Inverness to Nairn have gained traction, with politicians like MSPs pushing for upgrades. Data from Transport Scotland shows over 50 reported incidents on this section in the past five years.
Experts point to high traffic volumes, poor visibility in bad weather, and lack of barriers as key factors. Recent stats indicate a 15 percent rise in collisions since 2020, tied to increased tourism and freight.
Calls for Better Road Safety
Advocates argue that dualling the road could cut accidents by up to 30 percent, based on similar projects elsewhere in Scotland. The Scottish Government has committed to reviews, but progress has been slow.
Local residents and drivers want more signage, speed cameras, and better lighting near trouble spots like Drumine. Winter conditions often worsen risks, with ice and fog common in the Highlands.
Transport officials monitor the route closely, but events like this underscore the need for action. Community groups plan meetings to discuss solutions in the coming weeks.
What Drivers Should Know Moving Forward
For now, the A96 is fully open, but caution is advised, especially at night. Check apps like Traffic Scotland for real time updates before traveling.
If you witnessed the crash or have tips, contact Police Scotland. Staying alert and following speed limits can help prevent future issues.
This incident reminds everyone of road safety’s importance in busy areas like the Highlands.
Share your thoughts on A96 safety in the comments below, and pass this article along to raise awareness about these ongoing concerns.
