A fatal accident inquiry has begun for the death of Lamara Bell and John Yuill eight years after their deaths.

The couple were found on the 8th July 2015 after a 999 call by a member of the public was made. Mr Yuill died at the scene whereas Ms Bell died a few days later.

It was reported that the car had gone off the road and was hidden behind trees and bushes on the M9.

It was found that the information from the call made by the member of the public was not entered into the police system which is used to record accidents that require police assistance therefore no further action had been taken. 

Officer of the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland had admitted seven years later that health and safety failing led to Ms Bell’s death. It pled guilty to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at the High Court in Edinburgh and was fined £100,000. The reason for this was it was noted that if emergency services had arrived at the scene earlier Ms Bell could have survived. 

In addition to this, £1 million was paid out to Ms Bell’s family. 

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “Following a thorough and detailed investigation and criminal prosecution this fatal accident inquiry will look at the full circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths and help avoid such an incident happening again.