Couple Ashley Gibson, 21, and David Bowser Shaw, 29, both lost their lives in the early hours of Sunday morning on the A70 from Coylton to Ayr.

Coylton dad Steven Maclean, 24, was left with torn muscles after the taxi he was travelling in towards the village collided with the pair’s grey Rover coming opposite.

Steven, who was recovering at home on Monday, told the Advertiser: “I didn’t think I was going to get out of the car. I was jammed in but the police got me out. It happened so quickly and was a real shock. I want to give my condolences to the family of the young couple. They didn’t stand a chance.” Ashley was driving towards Ayr near Roodlea Golf course when the New Cumnock pair’s vehicle collided with the Citroen Despatch just before 1am.

Tragically, she and David both died at the scene.

The other driver who works for Dicksons Taxis in Ayr was still in hospital on Monday.

There has been widespread condemnation of the state of the icy stretch and questions have been asked about whether gritters were out enough.

Steven’s mum Margaret, of Coylton, said: “The road was in a terrible state. Someone needs to take responsibility for the state of the road. Everybody knows how bad the weather was going to be. If Steven had not been in a hackney, four people would be dead. I feel so, so sorry for this young couple’s family. The front of the taxi was completely ripped off."

Coylton taxi driver Stuart Graham, who had been ferrying passengers around on Sunday morning, was shocked at the dangerous conditions.

He said: “Between Sundrum and Roodlea it was pure black ice. The road was ridiculously bad. I have never seen the roads as terrible as they were that night. I only saw a gritter at half five in the morning."

Ayrshire Roads Alliance said it would be inappropriate to comment as police enquiries are ongoing.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the tragedy.

Sergeant Steven White, of the Divisional Road Policing Unit in Irvine, said: “Road Policing officers are continuing enquiries and seek the assistance of the public to determine what exactly took place. If you have any information or witnessed this incident, we ask that you get in contact with the Road Policing Unit at Irvine on 101.”