THREE TEENAGERS KILLED AFTER CAR PLUNGES INTO RIVER WEAR IN SUNDERLAND

Three teenagers have died after a car plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland, triggering a major emergency response involving police, firefighters, lifeboat crews and Coastguard teams.

The tragedy happened at around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, near Wearmouth Bridge.

Northumbria Police said a black Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank before entering the river.

Four teenagers were believed to have been inside the vehicle at the time.

Two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the water but sadly died following the incident.

A fourth teenager, a 17-year-old boy, managed to escape from the vehicle and reach safety. He was taken to hospital with injuries that were not considered serious.

The teenager was later arrested in connection with the incident and remained in police custody.

MAJOR EMERGENCY SEARCH

A large-scale emergency operation was launched after authorities received reports that a vehicle had entered the River Wear.

Police officers, ambulance crews, firefighters, RNLI lifeboats and Coastguard teams were involved in the search and rescue operation.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service deployed two fire engines and a fire boat, while the North East Ambulance Service sent three ambulances, its Hazardous Area Response Team and an air ambulance.

A large emergency presence was seen around Wearmouth Bridge as crews worked in and around the river.

The families of the three teenagers who died have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

POLICE URGE PUBLIC NOT TO SPECULATE

Northumbria Police said the investigation remains in its early stages as officers work to establish exactly what happened.

Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, Sunderland’s area commander, described the incident as “truly tragic” and said police were thinking of the victims’ families, friends and everyone affected by the deaths.

He also urged people not to speculate about the circumstances of the crash, particularly on social media.

Police said they do not currently believe another vehicle was involved.

Investigators are now examining how the Audi left the road before entering the River Wear.

Officers have also appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured relevant footage on CCTV or a dashcam to come forward.

THREE YOUNG LIVES LOST

The deaths have left three families facing an unimaginable loss.

While the investigation continues, police have not publicly released the identities of the three teenagers who died.

For their families and friends, the immediate focus is on grieving their loss while investigators work to establish what happened in the moments before the Audi entered the river.

A major emergency response may have brought together crews from across the region, but behind the operation are three young lives that have been lost — and families now waiting for answers.