Three men have died after the 4x4 car they were travelling in entered the river and became stuck, as emergency services were scrambled to the scene. 

At 11.48am today (Thursday, December 28), it was reported that  fire, ambulance, partner agencies and police teams were in attendance at a serious incident involving a 4x4 vehicle in the River Esk near Glaisdale on the North York Moors.

Air support was also scrambled to the location.

The vehicle was recovered from the river by the fire service just after 3pm.

North Yorkshire Police have since confirmed that the three men inside the vehicle have died.

Another man who attempted to help those in the 4x4 was pulled to safety from the river at about 12.10pm. He has been receiving medical treatment.

Next of kin are currently being informed about the tragic incident and specialist support is being provided by the police.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. With our latest deal you can pay £3 for three months, or get 40% off a 12-month subscription. Click here.

Police have said that more information will be released in due course.

In the meantime, witnesses to the incident are urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, option 4, quoting reference NYP-28122023-0146.

Police have also issued guidance on tackling water, which include: 

  • Extreme caution required on wet and flooded roads
  • Localised conditions across our area are making driving hazardous.
  • Roads are particularly badly affected around the River Esk, to the north of the county, as we have seen with the tragic incident near Glaisdale.
  • There was another incident at nearby Houlsyke at 12.49pm when a car got stuck in flood water and another at Kirby Wiske in Hambleton at 2.35pm. Thankfully, the occupants of both vehicles were brought to safety.
  • The key advice is to consider whether your journey is necessary.
  • If you are driving, use your headlights, leave extra space to the car in front, and take it slow and steady.