Police have confirmed two bodies, believed to be those of missing tourists Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya, have been discovered near a crashed vehicle in north-east Tasmania.
The tragic discovery was made on Friday evening when authorities located a car in water off Tebrakunna Road around 5:30pm.
Inspector Luke Manhood said preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle drove off a bridge near Pioneer, between St Helens and Derby.
“At this early stage it appears they were travelling over a bridge when the vehicle has left the roadway and ended up in the water,” he said.
“This is a tragic outcome and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones.”
Police have indicated there are no signs of suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, though investigations are continuing.
“A report will be prepared for the coroner,” Manhood said.
Kang and Toya, both in their 20s, were meant to fly from Launceston to Brisbane on Wednesday but never showed up at the airport or returned their rental car.
Kang had been regularly sharing updates during their trip until she suddenly went quiet on Tuesday afternoon, raising alarm bells for her loved ones.
“We would like to thank community members for their efforts in providing information to assist in the search,” Manhood said.
