Three teenagers die after car plunges into River Wear as 17-year-old boy arrested
Three teenagers have died and a 17-year-old boy has been arrested after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland, police have said.
A black Audi A3 came off the road near Wearmouth Bridge and entered the water at around 1.30pm, Northumbria Police said.
Following a major search, the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl have been recovered from the water.
A 17-year-old boy was able to reach safety and has since been arrested in connection with the incident.
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Police have said he is currently in hospital being treated for non-serious injuries.
The force also confirmed that the car had been carrying four people when it entered the water.
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.”
He told reporters that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is still at a ‘very early stage’ and urged members of the public not to speculate about it.
Earlier today, police, the RNLI, ambulances, the Coastguard and the fire and rescue service rushed to the scene to take part in a search of the river that lasted hours.
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) dispatched two fire engines and a fire boat to assist with the rescue operation.
While the North East Ambulance service dispatched three emergency ambulances, a full hazardous area response team and air ambulance.
In a statement, 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.”
A man, who did not wish to be identified, told the Press Association he heard a bang and a sound like a very large rock hitting water, followed shortly by sirens.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, another local resident said his neighbour called the police after witnessing the incident from his window.
He 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.”
The next of kin of those who died have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Claire Reid