Many people were killed following a collision involving a police vehicle and a car on a major road in northern England.
According to the BBC, the incident happened on the A66 at South Bank, near Middlesbrough, Teesside, at around 03:39am on Saturday.
According to Cleveland Police, the incident included both a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat.
The North East Ambulance Service reported there were three vehicles involved in all.
A police spokesman said: “Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. We are working to identify the victims and contact their families.”
According to the force, the road between Normanby Road and Church Lane is still closed in both directions and will remain so “for some time.”
Significant emergency service vehicles were still on the site, and the public was advised to utilize alternate routes. Cleveland Police described the situation as “quickly evolving” and encouraged the public to “respectfully avoid speculation.”
The North East Ambulance Service reported 14 ambulances were dispatched to the scene. “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene,” the service said.
“We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.”
Reacting to the news on X, #SBlockspy wrote, “This is the kind of news nobody wants waking up to…hoping those affected get all the support they need.”
#Jeffcoly commented, “Tragic news. Thoughts with the families and everyone affected by the crash near Middlesbrough.”
#MohammedAliu6 noted, “That’s a tragic loss. Hope answers come quickly for the families affected.”
More details on the identities of those involved and the circumstances of the collision were still being established as investigations continued.
