Boy, 17, who survived river plunge arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving as 3 teens dead
“The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing”
Northumbria Police have confirmed in an updated statement that a 17-year-old-boy who was the only known survivor of a car which plunged into the River Wear has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Shortly before 1.30pm yesterday (September 29), police officers received a number of reports of a black Audi A3 car coming off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and entering the water.
The incident caused a huge emergency services response to locate the car and try to rescue the occupants with local boaters also rushing to the scene.
Tragically, the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the river last night (September 29).
Four people were reported to be in the car at the time, with a 17-year-old boy managing to reach safety.
The boy who reached safety was initially taken to hospital but has since been released and is currently in police custody.
Northumbria Police have today (September 30) confirmed the boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving - although enquiries remain ongoing to establish who was the driver of the car at the time it entered the water.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said: “Our thoughts very much continue to be with the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives.
“We will support them in any way that we can at this devastating time and ask that their privacy is respected.
“We also recognise the impact this tragedy will have on the wider community, and know that everyone will come together to support one another.
“The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
“We would continue to 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.”
Following the tragic news, Sunderland AFC and some of the city and region’s leading figures have sent their condolences to the teenagers’ families.
Sunderland College have also sent their condolences.
In a post on social media, a spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that three students from our Bede Campus tragically lost their lives yesterday.
“This is a heart-breaking loss for our college community and the wider city of Sunderland.
“Everyone at Sunderland College extends our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We also pay tribute to the emergency services and all those who responded at the scene.”
The police investigation is at an early stage, but no other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the incident. The families of those who lost their lives are currently being supported by police officers.
Northumbria Police said they continue to ask members of the public to avoid the area and not to livestream or share images from the scene.
Anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV or dashcam footage, should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the report forms on theirs website at https://www.northumbria.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/.
You can also call 101 and quote reference number NP-20260929-0589.