A tragic incident occurred in Sunderland early Sunday morning when a woman lost her life in a collision involving a grey Volkswagen Sharan and a white BMW. The BMW driver, a 24-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Police had initially spotted the BMW in Gateshead and initiated a pursuit when the driver failed to stop.
The pursuit led to the BMW driving on the wrong side of the A19 in Sunderland just moments before the fatal crash. The female passenger in her 20s from the BMW was pronounced dead at the scene, while a male passenger of the same age sustained severe injuries. The driver of the Volkswagen Sharan, who was also hospitalized, did not suffer serious injuries.
Following the crash, the A19 was temporarily closed in both directions for investigation but has since reopened. The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for further review. Sergeant Greg Huntley of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged the public not to engage in speculation.
The IOPC announced an independent investigation into the police’s actions leading up to the collision. They extended their sympathies to the woman’s family and all those affected by the tragedy. Northumbria Police encouraged anyone with relevant information or footage to contact them for assistance with the investigation through social media or their website’s reporting channels.
