A motorist has died after the car he was driving collided with a tree.

The A182 in South Hetton was closed for “several hours” between its junctions with Greencroft and Welfare Crescent South after emergency services rushed to the incident, near to Maythorne Drive, at around 4am.

A teenage passenger in the car was taken to hospital with minor injuries before being discharged.

Durham Constabulary said on Sunday evening: “Emergency services were called to the A182 just before 4am this morning after a Fiesta collided with a tree.

The A182 in South Hetton was closed for "several hours" after a motorist died when his vehicle collided with a tree. Picture courtesy of Google Street View.

placeholder image — The A182 in South Hetton was closed for "several hours" after a motorist died when his vehicle collided with a tree. Picture courtesy of Google Street View.

“The driver of the car suffered serious injuries and despite, the best efforts of the emergency services, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

“The passenger, a 17-year-old boy, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he has been discharged.

“The road was closed for several hours and is now reopen.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We received a call at 3.53am on Sunday, 15 November, to reports of a road traffic incident on the junction of the A182 and Maythorne Drive, in South Hetton, Durham.

“We dispatched three ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, and two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

“One patient was taken to Sunderland Royal hospital for further treatment.

“Despite the best efforts of our crews, one patient sadly passed away on-scene. Our thoughts and condolences are with their loved ones.”