A collision on the A66 in Teesside has left seven people dead, including two serving Cleveland Police officers. The crash occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat.
Emergency services were called to the scene on the A66 in South Bank at 3.39am. The road was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston. The North East Ambulance Service sent 14 units, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Officers named
The two officers who died have been named as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38. They were travelling in a marked police vehicle. Five members of the public who were in the Passat also died. Cleveland Police said all of those involved have now been formally identified, and their families have been informed and are being offered specialist support.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: "This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. This loss is being felt across our communities, by our police family, and by our partner agencies."
How the crash happened
Investigations are at an early stage, but Cleveland Police say the Passat was travelling the wrong way along the A66 and collided with a police vehicle travelling in the right direction. All occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating. Following a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police, the IOPC declared an independent investigation at 6.03am. It is understood Cleveland Police saw a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before the collision.
Reaction and ongoing closure
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the crash "devastating", and Anna Turley, MP for Redcar, expressed her condolences. Councillors for the Eston ward and Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville also paid tribute.
The A66 remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane. Drivers are being asked to use alternative routes, and emergency services remain at the scene.
