The accident happened close to Pitlochry

Tayside Police named the victims as father and mother Ehud, 46, and Ada Dror, 45, and their 19-year-old daughter Maya.

Another daughter, Yaara Dror, was taken to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, where she died overnight from her injuries.

Yaara's sister, who has not been named, is fighting for her life at the hospital, police said.

The family was travelling in a grey Vauxhall Astra which collided with a lorry at the junction.

Tayside Police said the car struck the southbound articulated lorry as it was crossing from Ballinluig to turn northbound on the A9.

John Swinney: Called for urgent action

The driver of the lorry was unhurt.

A report on the accident will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Mr Swinney said he had been concerned about the junction for four years.

He added: "The Ballinluig junction is one of the most dangerous road junctions in Scotland and it is absolutely vital that the Scottish Executive takes action now to prevent further fatalities."

There is local anger at the lack of improvements at the blackspot.

Upgrading junctions

Local cafe owner Clive Bridges says ministers have the wrong attitude to improving the road.

He said: "When it comes to the Scottish Executive counting or evaluating upgrading junctions by lives, how many does it take?"

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive said the minister will respond to Mr Swinney's letter when she receives it.

She said: "Safety on trunk roads is always given priority.

"We will look at the circumstances surrounding this accident to see if there are any practical measures that can be implemented.

Road markings

She said measures to counter accidents had already been put in place at Ballinluig, such as extra signing, and road markings.

"In addition, in January 1999 the speed limit was reduced to 60mph on the southbound carriageway, and six speed cameras were installed at the junction last year," the spokeswoman said.

She added that an accident blackspot at Bankfoot on the A9 was about to be upgraded so that vehicles can exit the road on the left-hand side and do not have to cross the carriageway.

She said this improvement was part of a rolling programme to upgrade safety on the A9.