Police appeal after 89-year-old man dies after crash in Washington

At about 10.50am today, Wednesday, December 18, police received a report a man had died in hospital after admitting himself on Sunday, December 1.

The 89-year-old went to Sunderland Royal Hospital feeling unwell but over the past two weeks his condition has worsened and yesterday he passed away.

A police investigation has since been launched and established that the man was in a two-car collision on the Sunday afternoon.

At about 3pm he was a passenger in a vehicle that was waiting at traffic lights on the westbound carriageway of the A1231 near to The Galleries.

The black Peugeot 5008 has then been struck from behind by a blue MG ZS. Both drivers remained at the scene to exchange details before going their separate ways.

The driver of the MG has since been spoken to by police but now officers are appealing for any witnesses to get in touch.

Sergeant Pinner Rana, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said officers were continuing to support the victim’s family: “This is obviously a very difficult time for this man’s family as his death has come completely out of the blue.

“He has been able to walk away from that collision and go about his business before falling unwell later that evening.

“Sadly he then died in hospital despite the efforts of medical staff and we are supporting his family as they go through that grieving process.

“We are now appealing for witnesses to this collision to come forward so we can understand exactly what happened.

“The victim has been stationary at traffic lights and we need to find out why this collision has taken place.

“If you were in the area and saw the vehicles then we need to hear from you, particularly if you have any dashboard camera.

“We need to get answers for this man’s family so if you have any information then please get in touch.”

If you can assist police then call 101 quoting log 323 17/12/19 or report online at the Northumbria Police website.