Girl (9) is third victim of crash on M9

A section of the motorway was closed as the accident was investigated

Three people including a nine-year-old girl have died in a motorway crash between Polmont and Linlithgow.

The accident happened on the eastbound carriageway of the M9 at around 9pm last night when a white Vauxhall van and a silver Mercedes car collided.

A 37-year-old woman and 42-year-old man were pronounced dead at the scene with Police Scotland confirming this afternoon that the child had died.

Two others remain in a critical condition in Forth Valley Royal Hospital and another who was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow is described as serious.

Two people remain in hospital in a serious condition

The motorway was closed between junctions 4 and 3 to allow an investigation to take place.

A police spokeswoman said: “This has been a serious road traffic collision which has resulted in three people losing their lives.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed it or who has information who can assist us in our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.