Student, 18, killed and 4 injured after car plunges into river

A STUDENT has died after a car carrying five teenage girls crashed into a river in a remote part of Argyll.

Picture: John Devlin

Amy Simpson, 18, who was from Cowdenbeath and was believed to be studying at Edinburgh University, was driving the Peugeot when it left the road and entered the River Avich at Druimdarroch, near Dalavich, Taynuilt, around 6:45pm on Tuesday.

The four passengers managed to escape from the car, which ended up on its roof, and sought help at a nearby house.

The car was travelling towards Dalavich from Kilchrenan when it went through a fence into the river. No other vehicle was involved.

Retired doctor Bill Macrae, 69, who raised the alarm, said: “I was the first on the scene. There were five girls in the car and one came and hammered on my door saying the car has gone in the river and there is still someone in it.

“I rushed over and the car was completely underwater, apart from one back wheel.

“I rushed back to the house and dialled 999, summoned all the emergency services and did my best to console the four girls who, understandably, were so upset. They had been in the water a while. How the four of them weren’t injured I just don’t know, one had a minor injury to their hand and one had a cut on her face.”

Dr Macrae added: “I was a medic at Ninewells Hospital and it was very obvious to me that there was no hope for the girl in the car.”

Amy’s mother Angela, announced the news of her daughter’s death on social media, saying: “Hi there, its Amy’s mum. Amy unfortunately died last night whilst she was up north with 4 other friends.

“I don’t know exactly what happened yet but Amy was driving and all I know is the car landed in water, the other 4 got out but sadly Amy never, am totally devastated.”

Tributes from friends included one from Charlie Cowan who wrote: “Woke up to hear such horrible news. I’m actually devastated, Amy was one of the kindest girls you could ever meet with a heart of gold! You never know what’s round the corner anymore.

“Thoughts go out to all her loved ones. R.I.P Amy, heavens gained another angel.”

Councillor Roddy McCuish, chairman of Argyll and Bute Council’s Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, said: “Our sympathy goes out to the families of those involved in this tragic accident.

“We will have to wait and see what the report says. If there is anything we can do to make that road safer we will have to look at that.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “An 18-year-old woman has died following a crash on the C30 near to Dalavich in Taynuilt after the Peugeot she was driving left the road and entered the Avich at Druimdarroch. Four female passengers managed to get out of the car with no serious injuries. Police inquiries are continuing.”