The cousin of a woman killed when her car plunged 100 feet into a Gwent quarry has spoken of the family's heartache.

Liz Tranter was killed yesterday when the Land Rover she was driving careered into a fence and into Swffryd quarry.

The mother of two was said to have been just dropping off her children minutes before the accident happened.

Cousin Peter Williams said that the family are in complete shock over the tragedy.

"I can't believe that this has happened," said the father of two.

"I was just out walking the dog this morning when I heard somebody say a car had gone done over the quarry again.

"Then someone said that it was a white LandRover and then I knew it had to be Liz."

The 43-year-old of Bron Awelon had been at the crash site all day waiting for the recovery operation to get underway.

"I instantly knew it was her because there are not many white Land Rovers about are there," he said.

"My father is Liz's mother Rose's brother, so that makes us first cousins.

"We are still trying to get hold of my Aunty Rose, she is out in Spain with her partner.

"My dad has been trying to ring her all day.

"We are all in bits. I don't think it has sunk in yet.

"All the family are at the family house together, it's just a real tragedy."

Speaking of his cousin, who used to live in Swffryd near him, Mr Williams added: "She was just really popular, everyone knew her from being an Avon lady."

Mr Williams says that this accident should never have happened.

"After the last time you would have thought that something more would have been done," he added.

"A metal fence is just not good enough."

Local people are still in shock following a crash that happened just a few yards from yesterday's tragedy.

In October 2004 four men, two from Newport and two from the valleys, died when their vehicle plunged into the quarry.

Floral tributes were already being laid at the scene yesterday afternoon.

Ms Tranter is believe to have worked at Abertillery's specialist tanning centre Sun Shack.

The High Street shop was closed yesterday afternoon, a sign on the door said "closed due to staff bereavement."