Man, 79, dies after his car overturns on Sunderland road

Emergency services were called to a stretch of road near The Wolsey, in Millum Terrace, Roker, at 10.55am today, Thursday, April 1, following a report a vehicle was on its roof.

Northumbria Police said it is was believed the Volvo was travelling southbound when the vehicle left the road and collided with an unoccupied parked car.

The elderly driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

This evening, the force confirmed he has sadly since passed away in hospital.

The other occupant of the Volvo, a woman family member, sustained serious but not life threatening injuries and was transported to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Inquiries into the circumstances around the collision are ongoing, but no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.

The area, which is close to where Dame Dorothy Street and Harbour View meet, was closed for some time while the emergency services dealt with the crash.

Sergeant Matt Sykes, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “We are carrying out extensive inquiries to establish why the vehicle has left the road.

“We do not believe any other vehicles have been involved but we are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the collision.

“In particular we would ask for anyone who has a dash cam and was travelling in the area at the time to review their footage to see if it could assist the investigation.

“Our specialist officers will continue to support the family of the driver of the Volvo and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

The North East Ambulance service said one of its patient transport vehicles stopped to assist at the scene after it came across the crash.

It then sent two ambulance crews, three crews from its Hazardous Area Response Team, a specialist paramedic and an officer.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it sent two appliances and two officers from Sunderland Central Community Fire Station were sent to the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is encouraged to report it through the Northumbria Police website, or by calling 101, quoting log 263 01/04/21.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.