Several people have died following a serious collision involving a police vehicle on the A66 in South Bank this morning. The crash happened at around 3.39am between a Volkswagen Passat and a police vehicle.
Road closed and emergency response
The A66 is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane as a result of the incident. A large emergency presence remains at the scene, and the road is expected to remain shut for some time.
A total of 14 ambulances were dispatched to the scene as part of the 999 response, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, the Hazardous Area Response Team, and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Police statement on fatalities
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "Around 3:39am this morning, a collision took place involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank. Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene, and the road will remain closed for some time."
The spokesperson added: "We are working to identify the victims and contact their families. This is a quickly evolving incident and we ask that members of the public respectfully avoid speculation."
Investigation before reopening
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a serious road traffic incident involving three vehicles on the A66 at South Bank at 3.39am on 22 August. We sent 14 ambulance resources at the scene, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, our Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service. Sadly despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene."
The spokesperson added: "We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help."
An investigation into the fatal collision will take place before the road reopens. At this early stage, the number of people who have died in the incident is yet to be confirmed.
Traffic is flowing well on the diverted route, with slight delays at both junctions as motorists divert off the A66. Motorists are being urged to find alternative routes.
