Police are investigating after the bodies of two elderly people were recovered from the Richmond River at East Wardell, south of Ballina.
Emergency services were called to River Drive about 12.40pm on Tuesday, following reports a van had driven into the Richmond River.
Police from Richmond Police District, assisted by Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, attended the scene and commenced a search for the vehicle.
Around 9:30am today, police divers located the vehicle submerged in the river, and found two bodies seated within the van.
The bodies are yet to be formally identified, but are believed to be those of a man and woman – both aged in their 70s.
Richmond police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and urge anyone with information to come forward.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
