Police are still trying to trace the family of a man who died under the wheels of a 15-tonne bin lorry in the Highland capital.
The 50-year-old local man was killed in a horrific city-centre accident on Hogmanay as preparations for the evening’s festivities were about to begin.
The incident – a chilling reminder of the Glasgow bin lorry tragedy that claimed the lives of six pedestrians just before Christmas – brought Inverness to a standstill and resulted in the cancellation of a children’s Hogmanay street party.
Shocked passersby and shop workers saw the man leave the pavement on Bridge Street at around 7.35am, and go under the rear wheels of the truck.
It is understood he died almost immediately. An ambulance was called to the scene but was not required.
The driver of the Northern Recycling Solutions vehicle stopped about 20ft from where the man was lying face down on the street, at the crossing between The Steeple and Bella Pasta and the Town House.
He ran to help but there was nothing he or others could do.
A shocked woman on holiday from the Glasgow area was among the first on the scene.
She said: “I can hardly believe that a refuse lorry was involved in something like this again.”
Another heavy vehicle, operated by Shred It, was close behind and its driver will be a vital witness.
Police yesterday appealed for anyone with information about the incident to get in touch.
A spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that the male involved in the road traffic collision on Bridge Street, Inverness, was a 50-year-old male from the Inverness area.
“Next-of-kin are still being informed and full details will be released in due course.”
Councillor Bet McAllister, Inverness Central, said it was “a shocking tragedy” and the thoughts of the community would be with the victim’s family.
“To have such a thing happen on the eve of a New Year casts a shadow over our city’s celebrations,” she said.
“I saw the scene subsequently after the unfortunate man’s body had been removed and it was chilling to think that the morning had begun with such a terrible fatality in the city-centre.
“There of course will be a full investigation of the circumstances of the accident. The closure of Bridge Street for such inquiries has caused considerable traffic congestion, but motorists will accept that it had to be done.”
Police cordoned off a wide area with tape and the man’s body remained on the street until 9.30am, covered by a plastic sheet, while the specialist road policing unit from Dingwall began an extensive investigation.
The Wee Hot Highland Fling, a warm-up event for the city’s big Hogmanay party, was quickly cancelled as a mark of respect.
Inverness city manager Mike Smith visited the scene and said: “My sympathy goes out to those involved in this tragic incident. It is very sad for everyone concerned especially at this time of year.”
Councillor Donnie Kerr said at the scene: “It is tragic that such a thing should happen on the end of the year. It was a horrifying accident.”
Anyone who can help the police investigation is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.