Llanrug car crash: head teacher pays tribute to women who died
A head teacher has paid tribute to two former pupils at his school who died in a New Year's Day car crash in Gwynedd.
Eifion Jones said Sian Davies, 21, and Sasha Jarvis, 19, were "gentle" and "popular" characters whilst at Ysgol Brynrefail secondary school.
He said the school is in a state of shock following the tragedy in the village of Llanrug, near Caernarfon, early on Sunday morning.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is continuing.
The women were the driver and passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa which hit a wall in Llanrug at about 06:00 GMT on Sunday.
Sasha Jarvis worked as an assistant at Llanrug Primary school, while Sian Davies was brought up in the nearby village of Bethel.
"They were gentle characters, popular amongst their contemporaries and staff," said Mr Jones.
"The school is in a state of shock and our thoughts go out to their families and friends," he added.
Floral tributes and a teddy bear have been left at the scene of the crash.
The Reverend Marcus Robinson, a local Presbyterian minister, said it was a "great tragedy" for all involved.
He said: "On a day when everybody has just wished each other a happy new year, it hits home that there are two families now who have to face a day and a year ahead without two who were very dear to them.
"I can only assure them that the communities here will try their best to support them in any way they can and assure them also of our prayers."
Gwynedd county councillor Brian Jones described it as a "tragic incident".
"Our condolences go out to the families in their loss," he said.
"Both were very popular girls... we need to find out what happened," he added.
North Wales Police have yet to confirm the identities of the victims, who have been named locally, but appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Sgt Alun Davies said: "When we arrived we found a silver Vauxhall Corsa with heavy damage to the vehicle, and sadly two young women from the Gwynedd area were pronounced dead at the scene.
"Anybody who may have seen a silver Corsa travelling in the Llanrug or Llanberis area between 05:30 and 06:00 (GMT), if they could contact North Wales Police, that would be very much appreciated."
The car in which the two women were travelling was recovered from the roadside on Sunday, as the investigation continued into the cause of the crash.
The north west Wales coroner has also been informed.
Anyone with information is asked to call North Wales Police on 0300 3300101.