A tanker driver has been killed in a fireball crash in the Highlands.
Steven Mitchell died after his fuel tanker veered off the A835 Tore to Ullapool road, near Loch Broom and hit a rock face.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, the vehicle was ablaze and it took three hours for them to extinguish the flames.
Police and paramedics also attended, but Mr Mitchell, of Inverness, could not be saved.
The 48-year-old’s family were too upset to talk about the tragedy at their home last night.
But many of his friends, colleagues and loved ones took to social media to share their grief.
His daughter, Laura Mitchell, posted: “RIP Dad, me, mam and Owen love you loads.”
Linda McLeish described him as a “great guy”, while another online friend extended his sympathies and told Miss Mitchell: “Can’t believe he’s gone pet, thoughts are with you and the rest of the family.”
Mr Mitchell regularly passed through the Brogan Fuels depot in the city’s Cromwell Road, but it is understood he worked for another company.
Last night colleague and friend Richard Sturrock told the Press and Journal: “On behalf of all the drivers, I just want to say that Stevie was a nice man and that he will be sadly missed by everyone.”
Inverness West councillor Alex Graham, who lives in a street adjacent to Mr Mitchell’s home on Fairfield Road, said: “I am very sorry to hear about this tragic accident and I think everyone in our area will be thinking of his family at this very difficult time.”
The accident happened at about 1pm on Saturday, about three miles south of Ullapool.
Two fire appliances from Ullapool attended the scene as well as a heavy rescue unit from Inverness and a foam carrier, following the 999 call.
A fire spokeswoman confirmed the vehicle “was on fire upon arrival” and that the flames were fully extinguished by 4pm.
A police spokesman last night appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
It is understood the tanker crossed the carriageway shortly after a bend in the road before striking the rockface on the other side of the road.
Police confirmed that no one else was hurt in the collision.
At the scene yesterday, it was clear that several rocks had been dislodged from the part of the rockface that had been struck, and burn marks stained the area of rock above.
Some of the burnt debris from the tanker could also be seen lying on the grass bank, along with some tyre marks.
Floral tributes were also left at the crash site.
Inverness West councillor Alex Graham, who lives in a street adjacent to Mr Mitchell’s home on Fairfield Road, said: “I am very sorry to hear about this tragic accident and I think everyone in our area will be thinking of his family at this very difficult time.”
A police spokesman said: “We can confirm that the man who died as a result of a one vehicle collision involving a fuel tanker on the A835 around three miles south of Ullapool at Loch Broom shortly after 1pm on Saturday, December 19 was Steven Mitchell, aged 48, from Inverness.
“Mr Mitchell had been driving the fuel tanker.
“Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision who hasn’t already made themselves known to police to contact officers on 101.”
The road was shut for several hours on Saturday and reopened early yesterday morning.