Two Scots women 'lucky to be alive' after being airlifted to hospital following horror crash

A woman says she is ‘lucky to be alive’ after being airlifted to hospital following a horror crash on the Isle of Bute.

Tania Caldeira, 31, and her partner Catia Azevedo, 35, had just finished work when a car allegedly smashed into their vehicle at Port Bannatyne on Monday, April 15.

The couple were taken by air ambulance to Rothesay Victoria Hospital. Mum Tania was left with a broken chest bone, pulled muscles and bruising and partner Catia suffered pulled muscles and internal bruising.

A 30-year-old man was charged with a driving offence and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Tania, who has been forced to take sick leave from her work, told the Record: "We were driving to the beach because it was a lovely night.

"All of a sudden this car crashed into the front of ours. It was terrifying.

"We are lucky to be alive. I went into shock and I was screaming hysterically. Then I remember feeling a lot of pain.

"I wasn't sure how badly I was injured and I was panicking."

The traumatised couple were helped by a hero bystander who helped get them out of their mangled car.

Tania continued: "The woman in the car behind us stopped and helped pull us out of the car.

"I am so grateful to her, she helped calm me down and told me to regulate my breathing until the emergency services arrived.”

Locals retrieved their belongings from their car after the crash and delivered them to the pair at home once they got out of hospital.

Tania and Catia, who moved to the island from Portugal four years ago, say they have been overwhelmed by the community spirit in the island.

Tania added: “We have been offered so much support from the local community and it has really meant a lot to Catia and I."

Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 4.30pm on Monday, 15 April, 2024, we were called to a report of a two-car crash at Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute.

"Two women, aged 35 and 31, were taken to Rothesay Victoria Hospital for treatment.

"A 30-year-old man has been charged in connection with a driving offence and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."

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