Emergency services are dealing with reports of a vehicle with three teenagers inside plunging into the River Wear in Sunderland this afternoon (Tuesday, 29 September). Northumbria Police raced to the scene close to Wearmouth Bridge at approximately 1.30pm, urging the public to steer clear of the area.
A force statement said: "We are responding to a report of a car entering the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland. Emergency services are currently in attendance. We would ask members of the public to avoid the area."
Driver rescued as search continues for three teens
It is understood that four people were in the vehicle when it got into trouble. The driver managed to jump out as it entered the water and was rescued by a passerby. Police sources indicated that the search was underway for the three teenagers feared to be in the car.
One local resident wrote online: "The driver got out. My stepdad helped him out of the water. But there were three in the car. They have been in the water for over two hours now."
Multiple agencies respond to the incident
The North East Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, and the RNLI have also deployed personnel to the location. An air ambulance was scrambled to the scene, with a spokesperson confirming "we had a doctor and paramedic on board our aircraft".
An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "At around 1.25pm this afternoon (Tuesday 29 September), HM Coastguard responded to reports of a vehicle in the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Sunderland and Seaham were sent, as well as an HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter, RNLI lifeboats from Sunderland and Cullercoats, North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police. The incident is ongoing."
Ambulance service confirms resources on scene
The ambulance service confirmed they dispatched an emergency vehicle, a clinical team leader, three officers, an air ambulance, and the complete Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to the location. "We are working closely with the coastguard and the police, and we remain on scene at this time," a spokesperson added.
