BBC Breakfast viewers were met with tragic news on Wednesday morning after three teenagers died when a car plunged into the River Wear. Sally Nugent and Jon Kay were presenting the latest headlines when the incident in Sunderland was reported on the programme.
Two teenage boys and a teenage girl lost their lives after a black Audi A3 left the road near Wearmouth Bridge and ended up in the water. Four people are believed to have been inside the car when it crashed at Panns Bank at around 1.30pm on Tuesday.
Survivor and emergency response
A 17-year-old boy managed to escape from the vehicle and was pulled from the river. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has since been arrested. Emergency services mounted a major operation following reports that the car had entered the River Wear.
North East Ambulance Service said it received the first 999 call shortly after 1.20pm, prompting a huge response involving ambulances, specialist rescue crews and an air ambulance. Police, firefighters, coastguard teams and the RNLI were also involved in the operation. Despite the efforts of those at the scene, three teenagers were pronounced dead.
Police statement and investigation
Northumbria Police described the incident as "truly tragic", with Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie paying tribute to the young victims and offering support to their loved ones. He also urged people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the crash while the investigation remains in its early stages.
Police said the families affected by the tragedy were being supported and asked that their privacy be respected. The ambulance service said one person was taken to hospital for further treatment following the incident. A spokesperson said the emergency crews had worked together at the scene and expressed their condolences to everyone affected.
The circumstances surrounding how the Audi left the road and entered the River Wear have not yet been established. The investigation remains ongoing.
