Three people have died and more are injured following a serious crash on the A90.
It happened near Drumlithie at around 4.30pm and involved two cars, a people carrier and a Scottish Citylink coach.
Police say four people have been taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
The bus driver suffered minor injuries, and none of his passengers were hurt.
Following the crash fire crews from Stonehaven, Altens and North Anderson Drive used hydraulic cutting gear to free four people from their vehicles.
The A90 is closed in both directions at its junction with Station Road, which leads to Drumlithie, to allow emergency services to attend the scene.
A police spokeswoman said the route is likely to remain shut “for some time” and diversions are in place.
Road Policing Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie said: “This has been a challenging incident for the emergency services to deal with and my thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this.
“I would ask that anyone who witnessed the incident and who hasn’t already spoken to the police contacts officers on 101 using reference number 2576 of March 12.
“The road is anticipated to remain closed for some time to allow collision investigation to take place.
“This is likely to be a complex inquiry that will take some time and I am grateful to the public for their patience while this is carried out.
“Further details will follow once they are available.”
“The road is currently closed in both directions and diversions are in place via the A92.
“The public are advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative route.
“Any person who witnessed the accident is asked to contact police via 101 quoting incident number 2576 of March 12, or speak with any police officer.”
A Scottish Citylink spokesman said: “One of our coaches travelling from Glasgow to Aberdeen was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident this afternoon on the A90 near Glenbervie Junction.
“Our immediate thoughts are for those involved in the incident.
“Safety is our absolute priority and we will assist police with their inquiries into the circumstances.
“There were no reported injuries to passengers travelling on the coach and they were provided with alternative transport to take them to Aberdeen bus station.”
*UPDATE* 18:15⌚️#A90 is still ⛔️CLOSED⛔️ in both directions around Glenbervie/Drumlithie and will be for some time after a serious multi-vehicle RTC. Emergency services are on scene.
Diversion is in operation as shown below, traffic heavy ?@NETrunkRoads @Aberdeenshire pic.twitter.com/ywliF5JpQM
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) March 12, 2019
