Woman dead following fatal collision in Sunderland
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving
Last updated 5 hours ago
A woman has died following a serious collision in Sunderland in the early hours of this morning (Sunday 1 March).
Shortly before 3am, police spotted a white BMW M135 travelling along the A184 in the Felling area of Gateshead. When the driver failed to stop after officers’ instructions, a pursuit was initiated.
The vehicle was later seen heading south on the northbound carriageway of the A19 in Sunderland, where it collided with a grey Volkswagen Sharan travelling north on the same carriageway at around 3am.
Emergency services attended the scene, but a female passenger in the BMW, aged in her 20s, was pronounced dead.
A male passenger in the BMW, also in his 20s, sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital in life-threatening condition.
The driver of the Volkswagen Sharan was treated for injuries described as not serious.
The 24-year-old male driver of the BMW has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is currently in police custody.
The A19 was closed in both directions between the A1231 at Hylton Grange and the A184 Testos roundabout for several hours but has now reopened.
Sergeant Greg Huntley, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“Firstly, our thoughts go out to the woman’s loved ones as they process this tragic news, and also to the families of those injured.
“A section of the A19 was closed as our officers and the IOPC carried out enquiries at the scene, but the road has since been re-opened to traffic.
“We’d like to thank the public for their patience today while this was ongoing and would ask people to please refrain from any speculation online and in the community in the meantime.”
Anyone with information or footage is being urged to contact Northumbria Police.