A Volkswagen Passat was travelling the wrong way down the A66 and collided with a police car on the same road going in the right direction. All occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead
Two police officers are among seven people killed in a horror crash between a cop car and a Volkswagen after a police chase, it has emerged.
A Volkswagen Passat was travelling the wrong way down the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough and collided with a police vehicle on the same road going in the right direction. All occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around about 3.39am on Saturday. All occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The A66 is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston.
Cleveland police said the families of those identified have been informed and are being offered specialist support. An investigation has been launched by the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families of everyone involved in today’s incident.
“No one should leave their home and not return safely, including police officers serving their communities and protecting the people of Cleveland. This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family.
“We are providing specialist support to all families involved at this extremely difficult time. The investigation has been referred to the IOPC, which is the standard approach when a death occurs following police contact. We will cooperate fully with their investigation.
“While this investigation takes place, we strongly urge people to avoid speculation.”
Shocking drone images of the scene show the wreckage from the police car and a Volkswagen Passat scattered across the road. A tent has been erected over some of the wreckage and a tarp appears to be covering one vehicle.
The IOPC earlier said police saw a “suspicious vehicle” and a pursuit began. Its director of investigations Nicola Marfleet said: “This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance.
“Our investigation is in the very early stages, we have sent investigators to the post incident procedures to begin reviewing evidence.”
The North East Ambulance Service said 14 ambulance resources were sent to the scene of the crash, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, the Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
A spokesman said: “Sadly despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene. We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.”
Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, said: “My heart goes out to every family, friend and loved one now facing the most unimaginable loss following this morning’s devastating accident on the A66.
“I cannot begin to imagine how difficult this has been for the emergency services responding to such a devastating incident. Thank you to every one of them for their courage, care and professionalism.”