Two motorists are being treated for serious injuries in hospital after a dual carriageway crash that killed two passengers.
Grampian Police said the victims of Friday's smash on the A90 in Aberdeenshire were two men aged 61 and 42 who were travelling in one of the cars.
A stretch of the Dundee to Aberdeen route was closed at Fordoun for around eight hours following the collision between a Vauxhall Astra and a SAAB 93 at around 4.10pm.
The two drivers, aged 58 and 39, were taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dundee's Ninewells Hospital, where they are being treated for serious, although not life-threatening, injuries.
Police have appealed for witnesses to help them establish the circumstances of the crash.
Inspector Kevin Wallace said: "This has been a tragic incident which has impacted on a number of families and the thoughts of myself and my staff are with them at this time.
"It is important that we establish the sequence of events which led to this collision and we need the assistance of the public in this respect.
"We know there were a number of cars on this section of road prior to and at the time of the collision, including a number using the junctions giving access to Auchenblae and Tulloch.
"I am aware that some drivers using the road were returning home after working in the north east during the week and indeed those who had been outwith the area, I am keen to reach out to them and secure their assistance."
