What could have ended in tragedy became a miraculous escape after a woman and a toddler survived a harrowing crash off the A82, plunging 80 feet down a steep embankment into Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit.
The incident occurred when the unnamed woman, who was driving a Toyota RAV4 on Tuesday, lost control of the vehicle on the winding and often treacherous road. The SUV veered off the roadside and slid down a steep slope before careening into the loch.
Miraculously, the car came to rest upright in only about eight inches of water, avoiding a potentially fatal rollover. Emergency services arrived quickly on the scene, and both the woman and the young child were extracted from the vehicle and rushed to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. They are believed to have sustained only minor injuries.
A spokesperson from Northern Constabulary described the escape as incredibly fortunate:
“They are very lucky. The car left the road and went down the embankment. It came to rest on its wheels in shallow water. They could have ended up on their roof in deeper water, so the outcome is very fortunate.”
Local residents, familiar with the dangerous terrain of the A82, expressed shock at the incident but also relief at the outcome.
“Looking at the marks, it seems the car went straight into the water rather than flipping over,” said one local eyewitness. “It could have been much worse. That embankment is steep—had the car rolled, who knows what could have happened. It could easily have ended in tragedy.”
The A82 is known for its scenic beauty along the western shore of Loch Ness, but it also poses significant risks with its sharp turns, limited barriers, and proximity to steep drops.
Though visibly shaken, the woman and child’s survival has been described by responders and locals alike as nothing short of miraculous. Their recovery is expected to be swift, thanks in large part to what many are calling sheer luck—and perhaps a guardian angel or two.
– Atula, Staff Writer
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