Woman killed in crash after car fleeing police drove on wrong side of road

Authorities said a woman died in an accident that occurred when a car fleeing from police crossed onto the wrong side of the dual carriageway.

According to Northumbria Police, the fatal collision took place in Sunderland at around 3am on Sunday morning and involved a gray Volkswagen Sharan and a white BMW.

Police added that the 24-year-old driver of the BMW was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is being held in police custody.

Officers spotted the white BMW traveling on the A184 in the Felling area of ​​Gateshead at around 2.55am.

When the vehicle was not stopped upon the instructions of the police, a chase began.

Police said the same vehicle was seen traveling south on the northbound carriageway of the A19 in Sunderland minutes before the crash.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Sadly emergency services attended after a female passenger from the BMW was confirmed dead at the scene.”

“The family of the woman, who is in her 20s, was informed and provided support by specially trained police officers.”

Police said that a male passenger, also in his 20s, was seriously injured and taken to hospital, where his life remains in danger.

While Sharan’s male driver was also hospitalized and treated, it was stated that his injuries were not serious.

The A19 was closed in both directions between the junctions of the A1231 at Hylton Grange and the A184 Testos roundabout for several hours after the accident.

Northumbria Police said it has since reopened to traffic.

Police also said they had referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation.

Sergeant Greg Huntley, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Firstly, we are appealing to the loved ones of the woman processing this tragic news and also to the families of the injured.”

“A section of the A19 was closed whilst our officers and the IOPC investigated the scene, but the road has since reopened to traffic.

“We want to thank the public for their patience while this continues today and ask that people please refrain from any speculation online and in the community in the meantime.”

An IOPC spokesman said: “Our investigation will look at police actions prior to the fatal collision.

“Once notified by the force, we sent investigators to attend the scene and the police implemented post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence, and earlier today we announced the launch of an independent investigation.

“We will contact the woman’s family to offer our condolences and explain our role.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.”

Anyone with information or images that could assist the investigation has been asked to contact Northumbria Police via direct message on social media or using live chat and report forms on the police website.