COUNSELLING has been offered to grieving pupils as a high school community mourns the death of three teenagers killed when a car crashed into a wall.
The offer came as young people paid tribute to Jenna Barbour, 18, Josh Stewart, 16, and David Armstrong, 15, who died of their injuries following the accident on a minor road in East Lothian on Monday night.
Another passenger, Robbie Gemmell, 16, is being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for serious injuries.
The crash happened on an unclassified road in Tyninghame at about 8.25pm when the Peugeot 206 they were travelling in hit a wall. The three died at the scene. No other vehicles were involved, Police Scotland said.
A special assembly was held at the school yesterday and mourning pupils were allowed to leave early.
Friends and family posted tributes to the teenagers, who all attended or had recently left Dunbar Grammar School, on social media.
David's cousin, Connie Craig, posted on Twitter: "RIP to the beautiful, beautiful David. Done everyone so proud. You're not in any pain."
While friend Lewis Ross said: "This doesn't seem real ... thoughts with their friends and family. RIP lads."
Gary Dunn posted on Facebook: "I can't get my head around this it doesn't even feel real at all."
Jack Boyd posted on Twitter: "Not slept a wink, worst night of my life."
Calvin Conroy posted: "I have to keep reminding myself that one of my two best friends has passed away in such a tragic way, I can't believe it."
He urged friends to gather at one of their local sports clubs last night. He said: "If everyone can come to Hallhill it would be much appreciated."
East Lothian Council's education and children's well-being convener spokeswoman Shamin Akhtar said: "Dunbar Grammar School is mourning the loss of three students killed in a road accident near East Linton.
"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 with S5/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.
"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 the accident."
Road policing officers are investigating and asked anyone who can help with their inquiries to contact them.
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