A woman has tragically died following a serious collision on the A19 in Sunderland during the early hours of Sunday morning.
BMW Chase Ends in Horror Crash
At around 2:55am, Northumbria Police spotted a white BMW M135 on the A184 in Gateshead. The driver ignored police orders to stop, sparking a high-speed pursuit.
Minutes later, the BMW was spotted driving the wrong way southbound on the northbound carriageway of the A19. At about 3am, it smashed into a grey Volkswagen Sharan heading north.
Casualties and Arrests
- A female passenger in the BMW, aged in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
- A male passenger, also in his 20s, suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in the hospital.
- The Volkswagen driver was treated for minor injuries.
- The BMW driver, a 24-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is in police custody.
Road Closures and Investigation Underway
The A19 was closed for several hours between Hylton Grange and the Testos roundabout but has since reopened.
Northumbria Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for an independent investigation.
“The woman’s family has been informed and is receiving support from specially trained officers,” police said.
