Three teenagers, two boys and a girl, have died after a car smashed through a barrier and plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland. The vehicle entered the water near Wearmouth Bridge shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday 29 September 2026.
Four people are understood to have been in the black Audi A3 at the time, with a 17-year-old boy managing to reach safety. He is currently in hospital with what have been described as non-serious injuries and has now been arrested in connection with the incident.
Bodies recovered from the water
Northumbria Police said the three bodies had all been recovered from the water. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, 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. I want to thank all of our partners who supported the multi-agency search efforts."
Multi-agency search and rescue response
A huge search and rescue response included an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and the North East Ambulance Service's full Hazardous Area Response Team.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Sunderland and Seaham were sent, as well as RNLI lifeboats from Sunderland and Cullercoats, North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that two fire appliances, the TWFRS fire boat and a number of officers were dispatched to the incident. The Great North Air Ambulance Service said its critical care team was activated at 1.35pm and arrived on scene at 1.53pm.
Investigation at 'very early stage'
Chief Supt Cowie said the investigation into the incident is at a "very early stage" and no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
He added: "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."
Pictures from the scene show emergency services lining the riverbank, where a section of metal railing has been damaged.
