The bodies of two toddlers have been pulled from a remote Highland loch after a car plunged into its waters.
A major rescue operation was launched when the vehicle carrying the youngsters fell into Loch nan Druimnean, north of the Argyll and Bute village of Kilmelford, at around 4pm yesterday.
The bodies of the children, aged two and three, were later recovered from the water.
A 36-year-old woman was taken to nearby Oban Hospital but released after treatment.
Passers-by had raised the alarm after reporting that a car with people inside had plunged into the loch.
Witness Samantha Leiper, 20, told STV News she saw a woman in tears at the side of the road.
“There were at least 20 cars in front of me at a standstill and the woman at the side of the road was crowded by people trying to comfort her.
“There were tyre and mud marks on both sides of the road. The loch is really close to the road. It is a sharp bend you go round – there’s four or five corners all together at that part.”
Police Scotland confirmed the car was recovered from the scene during the early hours of Thursday.
The identities of the children who died have not yet been released.
Roddy McCuish, lead councillor for Oban Lorn and the Isles said the local community had been left reeling by the news.
He said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the entire community and I would also like to thank the emergency services for their help in dealing with this tragic accident.
“This is a very difficult time for everyone in the area and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of those involved.”
Police, fire, ambulance and coastguard teams were all called to the scene following the incident, which led to the temporary closure of the A816 road.
A coastguard helicopter and police dive teams scoured the loch as the emergency response unfolded.
Investigations into the cause of the accident remain ongoing and the names of the family have not yet been released.
Inspector Darren Faulds said: “Two young children have lost their lives and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of those involved in this tragic incident. Inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Around 4pm, police and emergency services responded to a report of a car going into a loch, north of Kilmelford on the A816 near Oban.
“Emergency services attended and a 36-year-old woman was taken to Oban Hospital as a precaution and released after treatment.
“The bodies of two children, aged two and three, were recovered from the water. Relatives are aware.”
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the divisional road policing unit at Lochgilphead on 101.
