A pedestrian has died after being struck by an ambulance on the A19 near Sunderland. The collision happened on the northbound carriageway between the junctions for the A1018 and A690 shortly after 2am on Sunday.
The ambulance was transporting a patient and was not travelling on blue lights when it hit the pedestrian, who was in the road. Emergency services attended the scene, and the man, aged in his 30s, died at the scene.
Investigation launched by Roads Policing Unit
The man's next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported, police said. The occupants of the ambulance did not sustain injuries, and the driver, a man in his 40s, remained at the scene to assist officers with their enquiries.
The road was closed for a number of hours in both directions and has since reopened. Officers from Northumbria Police's Roads Policing Unit have launched an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are especially keen to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident itself or the moments leading up to it.
Police and ambulance service respond
Sergeant Ben Rutherford, of Northumbria Police, said: "Our thoughts are firmly with the family and loved ones of the man who has tragically died following this collision. We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this incredibly difficult time."
Sgt Rutherford added: "We have already conducted a number of enquiries as part of our investigation, and are keen for anyone with information to come forward. We are particularly keen to hear from those who may have seen or have footage of the events leading up to the collision. Any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – could prove key to our investigation and help provide answers for the man's loved ones."
The North East Ambulance Service said a crew had been taking a patient and their partner to hospital when the collision took place. A spokesperson said: "Around 2am this morning, one of our ambulance crews was involved in a road traffic incident with a pedestrian on the A19 northbound, while transporting a patient and their partner to a nearby hospital. We dispatched a number of resources to the scene. The patient on board and their partner were transferred to another ambulance and taken to hospital for further treatment. Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews attending, the patient injured as the result of the collision passed away at the scene. This is a hugely tragic incident for all involved. Our thoughts and condolences are with the patient's loved ones. We will now, of course, be working closely with the police to support their investigation."
Those with information or dashcam footage should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat or report forms on the force's website. Witnesses are asked to quote reference: NP-20261115-0086.
