An eight-year-old has died and another girl was airlifted to hospital after becoming trapped under logs in an Argyll forest.
Emergency services were called to a wooded area on Bein Lora hill at the village of Benderloch, just north of Oban, at about 2.40pm yesterday.
Major Incident response team vehicles carrying lifting equipment and ambulance crews rushed to the scene but paramedics were unable to save the girl.
Another girl, aged 12, who was with her was taken to hospital by helicopter and was last night being treated for injuries.
Police were unable to confirm how serious they were.
The public footpath entrance to the hill has been closed off since January for logging activity and Forestry Commission Scotland had put up fencing and warning signs at the adjacent car park.
Padlocked gates mark forestry track entrances further up.
Last night, a police spokeswoman said the force was carrying out inquiries but confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious.
The spokeswoman said: “An eight-year-old girl has died after she became trapped under logs in a forest area in Benderloch near Oban.
“Despite efforts by paramedics and emergency services who attended, the eight-year-old girl died at the scene.
“A 12-year-old girl has been airlifted to Oban Hospital for treatment. At this time we don’t have details on the extent of her injuries or current condition.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.”
The logging activity has been taking place on Forestry Commission owned land, but a spokesman last night was unable to confirm if the incident took place in this area.
Margaret Adams, who lives at the foot of Beinn Lora, said she saw “at least eight” emergency vehicles – ambulances, fire appliances, police and two major incident vehicles – arrive at the car park beside her home yesterday.
She said the vehicles quickly left to find alternative access tracks further up the hill.
Mrs Adams said that she had heard the girls may live locally but did not know who they were, adding: “It’s clearly very sad for the family involved and for the community because the children here all go to the same small school and all know each other.”
Oban North and Lorn councillor Kieron Green said: “This is a tragic accident and my condolences go out to those affected.”
Yesterday evening, a police van could be seen in the car park beside the entrance to the footpath.
Criminal Investigation Department officers could also be seen entering and walking up the footpath.
The area is part of the Barcaldine Forest and has long been popular with walkers.
