Three teenagers have died after a car smashed through a barrier and plunged into the River Wear – with the driver arrested.
Emergency services were called to the banks of the waterway in Sunderland at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge at around 1.30pm on Tuesday.
It was reported four teenagers had been inside the black Audi A3 at the time. The driver, 17, was able to get to safety.
The bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl have since been pulled from the water.
The driver was rushed to hospital and was given treatment for non-serious injuries. He has since been arrested.
No other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
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.
Emergency services were called to the banks of the waterway in Sunderland near Wearmouth Bridge at around 1.30pm
A lifeboat is pictured at the scene alongside a string of police cars amid a large emergency service response
A water rescue unit is pictured at the scene. Members of the public were asked to avoid the area
‘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.’
He added: ‘Our investigation is at a very early stage in establishing the circumstances surrounding what has happened.
‘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.’
Police, the fire service and paramedics cordoned off a car park, where the vehicle went through a barrier and into the water.
Images show ambulances, police cars and a fire engine lining the riverbank and two rescue boats in the river.
The coastguard and RNLI were seen using poles to probe the water, alongside their helicopter, which was deployed in the search.
Dozens of panicked onlookers gathered on either side of the river to watch the response unfold.
A nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said his neighbour called emergency services after witnessing the incident from his window.
Mayor of North East England, Kim McGuinness previously said rescue teams were on the scene and ‘we must hope and pray for those involved’
An RNLI lifeboat is pictured at the scene. The coastguard and RNLI were seen using poles to probe the water
The 31-year-old said: ‘There were loads of ambulances here, we had helicopters here at one point.
‘This is the first time I’ve ever seen anything like this around here.
‘I’ve lived here for three years, this is sad to see.
‘Some families may get some awful, awful news today.’
Another man, who did not wish to be named, reported hearing a ‘bang’ and a sound ‘like a very large rock hitting water’, followed shortly by sirens.
Posting on social media, the Mayor of North East England, Kim McGuinness, said earlier today: ‘I’m aware of the serious incident on the River Wear today after a car entered the water in Sunderland.
‘Rescue teams are at the scene and right now we must hope and pray for those involved.
‘I’ve asked the incident commander to keep me updated as we let the emergency services do their work.’
Northumbria Police said: ‘Shortly before 1.30pm today, we received a report of a car entering the River Wear near Monkwearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.
‘We would ask members of the public to avoid the area.’
North East Ambulance Service said: ‘We sent a number of resources to the scene, including three emergency ambulances, a clinical team leader, three officers, our full Hazardous Area Response Team as well as the air ambulance.
‘Once on scene our teams worked closely with colleagues at the coastguard, RNLI, fire service and the police. We transported one person to hospital by road for further treatment.
‘Sadly, despite the best efforts of all emergency services in attendance, three teenagers died at the scene. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragic event and thank everyone whose dedication, compassion and support helped those involved during such difficult circumstances.’
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service previously said: ‘We can confirm that earlier this afternoon, two fire appliances, the TWFRS fire boat and a number of officers were dispatched to an ongoing incident on the River Wear, near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.
‘Our dedicated teams are assisting blue light colleagues with the ongoing rescue efforts.’
Great North Air Ambulance Service added: ‘Our critical care team was activated at 1.35pm to an incident on the River Wear, near Monkwearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.
‘We had a doctor and paramedic on board our aircraft and they arrived on scene at 1.53pm.’
The next of kin of the three teenagers who died have been informed and are being supported by officers, police said.
Anyone with information, in particular CCTV or dashcam footage, has been asked to send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the force’s website.
Alternatively, 101 can be dialled quoting reference number: NP-20260929-0589.
Were you at the scene? Email Noor.Qurashi@dailymail.co.uk
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