Three teenagers die in Tyninghame road crash

A SCHOOL is in mourning after three teenagers died and a fourth was seriously injured when their car left the road and crashed into a wall.

David Armstrong, Jenna Barbour, and Josh James-Stewart died in the crash. Pictures: Facebook

David Armstrong, 16, Josh James-Stewart, 15, and Jenna Barbour, 18, died in the collision in the village of Tyninghame, near Dunbar, in East Lothian.

Robbie Gemmell, 16, was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was receiving treatment yesterday.

Police said they could not confirm, at this stage, who owned the car or was driving.

The teenagers were in a dark green Peugeot 206 heading along a straight stretch of unclassified road leading to the beach when the car ploughed into a brick buttress supporting a wall at the Tyninghame Estate at about 8:25pm on Monday.

Police said Robbie had called the emergency services on his mobile phone.

Yesterday, small pieces of wreckage were visible at the scene and for 20 yards along the road.

Jenna Barbour had just left Dunbar Grammar School after completing her sixth year.

The other three youngsters were all in their fifth year at the school.

Jenna’s parents were too distraught to talk about the loss of their daughter, but a neighbour, who asked not to be named, paid tribute to her. “She was such a lovely girl. It’s a complete shock,” she said. “I’ve lived here for years so I’ve practically watched her grow up.

“She was into horseriding. She has a younger brother and he must be devastated. It is just horrible, especially so near to Christmas. You just can’t imagine what they are going through. ”

David’s cousin, Connie Craig, posted on Twitter: “Rip to the beautiful, beautiful David. So so proud to call you my little cousin. Done everyone so proud. You’re not in any pain :( no words.”

And @KimmMcLaughlin posted: “As much as this day has ruined everything. I’m praying Robbie’s going to pull through.”

Calvin Conroy posted: “I have to keep reminding myself that one of my 2 best friends have passed away in such a tragic way, I can’t believe it.”

Gavin Love, 47, owner of the Dunbar sweet shop in the town’s High Street, who has two teenage children at the school, said: “This is a tragic thing to happen and the whole community will be affected. Being a relatively small town, many people will know them.”

Plans to offer additional support to the teenagers’ friends and fellow pupils are being put in place.

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, education spokesman for East Lothian Council, said yesterday: “Dunbar is a very close and strong community and very few young people at school will not have known at least one of the young people involved.

“A special assembly was held this morning with S5 and S6 to reflect on what had happened and to offer comfort and support. Teachers across the school are supporting young people and counselling services are also on hand.

“Students have been offered the opportunity to go home as long as there’s someone there to support them. However, many have opted to stay to seek support from their friends and staff.”

Mr Akhtar added: “The grief will be felt for a long time and at the moment the school is focusing on supporting its young people and the families of those who died, and on sending our best wishes and thoughts for the recovery of the young person who survived this accident.”

Speaking at the scene of the incident, Inspector Richard Latto, of Police Scotland, appealed for witnesses to come forward. “Our inquiries are ongoing as we try to piece together the circumstances which led to this tragedy.

“We are also focusing on working closely, supporting the families involved,” he said.

“A full collision investigation will be carried out looking at all factors such as looking for witnesses and the condition of the road and the vehicle.

“We are looking for any witnesses who saw the vehicle prior to the collision.”