Three teenagers have died after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland. A major emergency response was sparked after a black Audi A3 came off the road at Panns Bank and plunged into the water.
Four people were in the car at the time and a 17-year-old boy managed to reach safety. However, the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl have been recovered from the river.
Survivor Arrested and in Hospital
The 17-year-old who survived is currently in hospital with non-serious injuries. He has been arrested as part of the investigation into the incident and remains in police custody.
No other vehicle is believed to have been involved at this stage. The next of kin of those who have died have been notified, and they are receiving support from specially-trained officers at this time.
Multi-Agency Search and Rescue Effort
Searches were taking place in the water for several hours after the incident, with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, North East Ambulance Service, Great North Air Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, and the RNLI all supporting police at the scene.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, the force's Area Commander for Sunderland, said: "This is a truly tragic incident where three young people have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and all those impacted by what has happened. We will continue to support them in any way that we can and ask that their privacy is respected at this time."
He added: "I want to thank all of our partners who supported the multi-agency search efforts. Our investigation is at a very early stage in establishing the circumstances surrounding what has happened. We would ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community. In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident."
Emergency Services Respond
NEAS sent three ambulances, a clinical team leader, three officers, the full Hazardous Area Response Team, and was assisted with the air ambulance. A spokesperson added: "We transported one person to hospital by road for further treatment. Sadly, despite the best efforts of all emergency services in attendance, three teenagers died at the scene. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragic event and thank everyone whose dedication, compassion and support helped those involved during such difficult circumstances."
North East mayor, Kim McGuinness, said she was aware of the incident and had asked the incident commander to keep her updated. Meanwhile Labour MP for Sunderland Central, Lewis Atkinson, said on X: "My thoughts are with everyone involved and their families, and with the emergency services responding to the scene."
Sunderland AFC also said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic incident on the River Wear today. At a deeply difficult time for our city, our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We also pay tribute to the emergency services and all those who have responded at the scene."
Police Appeal for Information
Police are asking people to avoid the area, as well as requesting that nobody livestreams or shares images from the scene. The force is also appealing for information, as enquiries into the incident continue.
Those who may know something which could assist with the investigation, especially if they have CCTV or dashcam footage, have been asked to send police a direct message on social media, or to use the live chat and report forms on the website here. Anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV or dashcam footage, should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.
Those who are unable to make contact with police in those ways are asked to call 101, quoting the following reference number: NP-20260929-0589.
