A WOMAN has died and a man is in critical condition following a car accident near Ballantrae.

Around 2.40pm yesterday afternoon, a 50-year-old woman died at the scene when the northbound black Ford Fusion car in which she was a passenger was in collision with a white Ford Ranger car travelling south on the A77 at Garleffin Wood, approximately 1 mile south of Ballantrae.

The driver of the Ford Fusion, a 63-year old-man, was taken by Coastguard Helicopter to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where staff describe his condition as critical.

The 46-year-old driver of the Ford Ranger and his three male passengers were taken by ambulance to Ayr Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and have been released.

Police are now appealing for information.

Sergeant Ian Thornton, Divisional Road Policing Unit, Ayrshire, said: “Although a number of people stopped to assist at the crash, we would still appeal for anyone who has not yet spoken to police, who either saw the crash or the vehicles being driven prior to the collision taking place, or indeed have dash-cam footage that may assist our enquiry to come forward.

“Please call officers at the Divisional Road Policing Unit at Irvine Police Station via 101. Quote reference number 2495 of 7 July 2018 when calling.”