Three elderly people have died and another has been critically injured following an horrific crash in Laxey.

Emergency services were called at about 9am yesterday (Monday) after a car struck a bus stop on the Douglas to Ramsey coast road near the Fairy Cottage filling station.

The car contained four people, all elderly residents of the island.

Staff from all three emergency services attended the scene.

Despite immediate emergency treatment, two people in the car were declared dead at the scene.

Two other occupants of the car were taken to Noble’s Hospital, both suffering critical injuries.

One of these casualties subsequently died from their injuries.

The other casualty remains in the intensive therapy unit in a critical condition.

The road was closed for almost six hours while emergency services dealt with the incident.

Inspector Mark Newey, who is in charge of the roads policing unit, is heading the investigation.

He has appealed for witnesses to contact police headquarters on 631212.

No details of those who died will be released until formal identification has taken place and their families have been informed.

Police say they are satisfied that no other person or vehicle was involved in this collision.